A former bandit leader in Katsina State, Wada Yellow Musawa, has said a peace agreement between his group and local communities in Musawa remains intact despite renewed violence.
He blamed the recent attacks on armed groups from neighbouring Zamfara State, accusing them of crossing into Musawa to carry out cattle rustling.
Wada also expressed concern over reduced support from authorities, which he said has weakened their ability to respond effectively to the incursions.
“I am not backing out of the peace deal because I have vowed never to return to banditry. However, I was forced to relocate to the bush, and the support we used to receive from authorities is no longer coming,” he said.
He revealed that recent clashes with the attackers led to casualties on both sides, followed by a reprisal attack that left members of his family dead and his property destroyed.
In a related development, the local chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Lawan Ibrahim Ribeji, also raised concerns over the influx of armed groups into the area.
Ribeji warned that residents are now living in fear, calling for stronger security intervention to address the growing threat.
