We’re Not Educated, But Skilled at Operating AK-47 Rifles, Bandit Leader Boasts
A suspected bandit kingpin in Dutsenma Local Government Area, Katsina State, has claimed that while his group lacks formal education, its members are skilled in handling weapons, particularly the AK-47 rifle.
In a video obtained by Zagazola, the leader was seen addressing a crowd while brandishing a rifle.
“We did not go to school and we are not educated, but even without schooling, we know how to operate an AK-47,” he said, prompting chants of “Yeyyyy” from the audience.
He compared their weapons to the books of the educated, saying, “While you gather books on your shelves, we have gathered AK-47 rifles,” before raising his firearm for emphasis.
The kingpin also criticised authorities for failing to honour agreements from previous dialogues.
“If we make promises to you, we try to fulfil them. We expect you to do the same. This is one of our major concerns,” he said.
He alleged that many members of his group are detained across several states, including Katsina, Kano, and Abuja, and that government officials have not acted on requests for their release.
“Your leaders come to meet us and we agree on certain issues, but once they leave, they go back and sit comfortably in their ACs, without fulfilling those promises,” he said, prompting laughter from the crowd.
Warning of potential disengagement, the kingpin added, “All the people you see here may disappear into the forest for months if we are not invited again for discussions. You may only find small children left behind.”
However, he expressed willingness to participate in future talks if previous agreements are honoured.
“If you release our people, even if you call us to Katsina, we will come. We are not afraid to go anywhere, but we fear unfulfilled promises,” he said.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
