Reports that the there is an ongoing negotiation between the Katsina state government and bandits have been debunked by authorities in the state.
The Katsina state commissioner for information and culture, Bala Salisu said that the state is not participating in any peace talks or negotiations with the bandits operating in Batsari Local Government Area.
Salisu stated that the Katsina state government is firm in its stance against any form of peace talks with the bandits.
He, however, noted that any bandit who voluntarily surrenders and renounces every criminality and violent activities would accepted.
“We were not part of any peace deal, and the government’s position has always been that anyone who renounces violence and surrenders their weapons would be considered.
“But the government would not go asking to negotiate with any bandit,” Salisu noted.
