The Katsina State Government has provided a detailed explanation for its controversial decision to approve the release of 70 suspected bandits from custody, framing it as a critical component of a peace swap agreement that has already yielded significant results.
The Rationale Behind the Controversial Swap
The State Commissioner for Information, Salisu Bala, clarified that the action was not taken lightly. He stated it followed a formal peace agreement brokered between repentant bandits and security-prone communities. The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, had earlier confirmed the release was part of the conditions agreed upon during these peace talks.
Bala revealed that the process began months ago when bandit groups operating in frontline and vulnerable Local Government Areas of Katsina approached local community leaders and traditional authorities to demand a peace accord. After extensive consultations, the community leaders accepted the offer under specific conditions.
Conditions and Outcomes of the Peace Accord
One of the primary conditions set for the peace deal was a swap of captives. According to the Commissioner, this agreement has already produced tangible positive outcomes. The bandit groups involved have kept their promise by releasing over 1,000 hostages from communities across multiple LGAs including Safana, Kurfi, Faskari, Sabuwa, Danmusa, Malumfashi, Musawa, Matazu, Jibia, Bakori, and Dutsinma.
"This peace deal yielded positive results as normalcy and peace was restored in all communities that signed the peace accord," Bala emphasized. He reported that normal activities, especially farming, have fully resumed in the affected areas. Furthermore, local economies are showing signs of growth with the reopening of key markets like those in Danmusa and Batsari, and many displaced persons have returned home to harvest their farm produce.
Government's Legal Justification and Appeal for Support
The Commissioner addressed the legal aspect of the decision, explaining that traditional rulers and community leaders approached the state government to facilitate the release of the incarcerated suspects. The government agreed after carefully considering the legal and judicial processes involved. "It is my belief that the state government decision and action is lawful and in accordance with the rule of law," Bala stated, adding that it was aimed at supporting local communities in fulfilling their part of the agreement.
He appealed to stakeholders and the public to support the administration of Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda in its efforts to secure the state from banditry and kidnapping, rather than politicizing the security issue. "How will one feel if his brother or sister is estranged in captivity and someone opposes a swap deal to release him or her?" Bala questioned, arguing that such swap deals are normal in conflict resolution scenarios.
The development, which was confirmed via an official government letter earlier, had sparked criticism from some quarters who expressed concerns over releasing individuals accused of killings, maiming, rape, and plundering communities over the years. The government's detailed explanation seeks to counter these criticisms by highlighting the broader peace gains achieved through the negotiated settlement.
