‘This Is Terrorism’ – Bukarti Warns Against Peace Talks With Bandits

Naija News reports that recently, communities in Jibia and Batsari Local Government Areas held peace dialogues with bandits who attended the meetings openly carrying sophisticated weapons.

Videos and pictures from the gatherings showed the gunmen displaying heavy arms in full view of villagers.

Reacting to the development, Bukarti said the scenes were nothing short of intimidation and a calculated attempt to frighten the public.

“Bandits are coming out with heavy and dangerous weapons during peace talks, tying them to their bodies, giving speeches, and allowing themselves to be recorded on video. They do this deliberately to frighten people. That is exactly what terrorism is, creating fear to achieve political, religious, or ethnic goals,” he said.

He likened the display to military parades in other countries.

“When you see them stepping out with heavy weapons as if they are going to a world war, it is a calculated attempt to scare the public and send a message to the Nigerian government that nothing can be done to them,” Bukarti said.
‘Peace Meetings With Terrorists Are Illegal’

The lawyer further stressed that both the possession of such weapons and the so-called peace meetings contravene Nigerian law.

“This is completely forbidden. No one is allowed to own such weapons, let alone display them. Even these peace dialogues with terrorists are unlawful because there is no legal framework that allows it,” he explained.

Naija News understands that recently, Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, who is known for engaging with armed groups, advised security agencies not to disrupt such meetings, warning that it could escalate tensions.

However, Bukarti disagreed, saying what is happening amounts to surrendering to criminals.

“The public and the government must understand that these meetings are not peace. They are submission. And the more terrorists are allowed to show off their weapons, the weaker the state looks in the eyes of citizens,” Bukarti said.

He urged the government to take direct control of any negotiations, if it believes talks are unavoidable.

“If the government feels it cannot fully protect communities from these attacks, then it should at least lead the talks, set clear conditions, and make sure the criminals are disarmed and rehabilitated. Leaving citizens to negotiate on their own only strengthens the bandits,” he said.

His warnings come amid rising insecurity in Katsina, where rural communities continue to suffer repeated attacks, killings, and abductions by armed gangs.