A notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Ummaru, has cautioned security operatives that a purely kinetic approach to addressing insecurity in Katsina State would only exacerbate the crisis. He insisted, “If you kill 10 of us today, 20 more will emerge tomorrow.”

Ummaru issued this warning during a peace meeting with community leaders in Matazu Local Government Area. His remarks, captured in a video, came as stakeholders intensified efforts to broker peace between rural communities and armed groups.

He stated, “If today you kill 10 bandits, tomorrow you’ll see 20… you kill 20, another 30 will rise both in our bushes and villages.” He criticized the government, claiming it prioritizes revenue generation over the welfare of the people.

Ummaru called for collaboration, urging that stakeholders should be involved if their boys mistakenly abduct anyone or if security operatives apprehend one of theirs. He also accused residents of Matazu LGA of providing information to security forces, which he believes undermines peace efforts.

During the meeting, Ummaru emphasized the need to respect agreements, stating, “If you want these peace talks to yield anything tangible, then every favor we seek should be considered and done for us.”

This meeting coincided with a broader peace initiative in Katsina, where two additional LGAs, Sabuwa and Dandume signed accords with bandit groups. With this development, nine LGAs have now entered into peace pacts, agreeing to cease hostilities and release abducted victims while demanding an end to vigilante reprisals. Local authorities also promised to reopen the Dandume cattle market, which had been closed due to insecurity.