Mosque attack: Controversy as bandit leader Babaro appears at peace meeting in Katsina

Barely days after allegedly orchestrating the deadly attack on Mantau Mosque in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, which left 32 worshippers dead, notorious bandit leader Babaro has resurfaced this time at a peace meeting.

The gathering, held on Sunday in Faskari Local Government Area, was convened to address the escalating clashes between armed herders and farming communities. It brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, security representatives, and leaders of herder groups in a bid to find lasting solutions to the violence ravaging the region.

A security expert, Zagazola Makama, disclosed on X that Babaro, who has long been on security watchlists, attended the dialogue despite being accused of leading the gruesome assault on the Mantau Mosque that left dozens injured.

The bandit leader, who has for years terrorised communities in Kankara and Malumfashi, has been linked to multiple kidnappings, extortion schemes, and deadly raids.

His ability to appear unchallenged at a high-level peace dialogue has raised serious questions about the state of security and governance in the region.

Peace meetings of this nature have become a recurring strategy in Katsina and other troubled states across Nigeria’s northwest, where banditry and farmer-herder conflicts have left thousands dead and displaced countless families in recent years.

While proponents of dialogue argue that negotiation is essential to ending cycles of violence, critics say granting violent actors legitimacy without justice perpetuates impunity and weakens public trust.

As of Sunday evening, there was no official statement from Katsina State authorities regarding Ado Alero, Isiya Kwashen Garwa, and Babaro’s presence at the meeting or whether they remain wanted in connection with the killings and kidnappings in the state.

However, for many in Katsina, the incident has deepened fears that justice for the victims of the massacre may never be served, even as leaders continue to pursue fragile peace efforts in the region.

(SaharaReporters)