Zamfara Chairman Rejects Negotiations with Bandits

Yahaya Abubakar Yari, the chairman of Talata Mafara Local Government Area in Zamfara State, declared that the state government will not engage in negotiations with bandits, labeling them as criminals without legitimate demands. In an interview with BBC Hausa, Yari explained that previous negotiations with armed groups have not addressed political or social grievances and that peace talks should focus on the needs of the people.

He cited the example of former rebels in Colombia, suggesting that addressing concerns is essential for peace. Yari criticized the notion that negotiations with bandits yield positive results, referencing ongoing insecurity in neighboring Katsina State despite peace agreements.

He reiterated that the Zamfara State Governor has made it clear that there will be no negotiations with bandits, and any local government chairmen who choose to negotiate do so independently. Yari expressed concern about insecurity affecting farmers' ability to cultivate land safely, acknowledging that while challenges remain, the government’s current strategy aims to weaken bandit attacks.