Bandits Peace Talk: Northern Group Faults Move, Says Govs Legitimizing Terror
Following a recent video showing bandits holding a meet and greet meeting in Katsina state, the League of Northern Democrats (LND), has faulted the move, describing it as an avenue to granting a free pass to criminals.
This was as the group urged governors across the North to take decisive action in protecting their states, warning against ongoing calls for negotiations with bandits.
Instead, the group stressed that “true peace processes require secure environments, enforced ceasefires, neutral venues, verified disarmament, and civilian protection.”
LND insisted that dialogue without verifiable disarmament and real de-escalation only serves to legitimise criminality.
In a communiqué issued after a meeting in Abuja, and signed by Mohmood Tunde Hassan, Assistant National Publicity Secretary, LND commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its handling of the ongoing political party registration process, describing it as a step toward strengthening public confidence in the electoral system.
“While all legitimate measures to end insecurity are welcome, giving criminals a free pass in the name of dialogue is unacceptable and amounts to legitimising terror,” the group said. It cited the recent peace deal in Katsina State as an example of flawed engagement, stressing that “true peace processes require military-secure areas, enforced ceasefires, neutral weapon-free venues, third-party verification of disarmament, and strict civilian protection.”
LND maintained that excuses from state governments were unacceptable, declaring that “no law prevents them from protecting their people.”
It also called on stakeholders to recommit to repositioning the North by addressing insecurity and other existential challenges holding back national progress.
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
