By ZAGAZOLA MAKAMA

A notorious bandit leader, Ado Aleru, has declared that unless authorities and society stop referring to them as terrorists, they should not expect an end to their violent activities.

Aleru made the statement during a peace dialogue session held in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State where he spoke on behalf of his group.

According to him, many of the youths involved in banditry were forced into the act due to neglect, injustice, and long-standing grievances.

He added that while their parents do not support their actions, circumstances beyond their control pushed them to take up arms.

“Our parents are not happy with what we are doing, and even we do not truly want this life in our hearts. We would prefer a return to the way things were, where there was mutual respect between farmers and herders, and security personnel stuck to their duties without bias,” he said.

He Insisted that genuine reconciliation and reintegration must begin with mutual respect and the cessation of stigmatisation.

“As long as we are still being called terrorists, then do not expect us to stop behaving like terrorists,” he warned.

The meeting in Danmusa was part of ongoing peace efforts between security agencies, local authorities, and armed groups in the region aimed at restoring peace in the conflict-prone communities of North-West Nigeria.

Efforts are being intensified by traditional leaders, community stakeholders, and government officials to bring lasting peace to the area. (Zagazola, excluding headline)