“Kill 10, 20 Will Rise” – Bandit Leader Warns Security Forces in Katsina During Peace Meeting

A notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Ummaru, has issued a stark warning to security forces in Katsina State, claiming that ongoing military offensives against bandits could worsen insecurity rather than end it. Speaking during a peace dialogue on Saturday in Matazu Local Government Area, Ummaru declared that if 10 bandits were killed, 20 more would rise in retaliation, and that eliminating 30 could trigger fresh unrest in towns and villages.

He cautioned security agencies to exercise restraint and insisted that peace efforts would only succeed if approached with sincerity by all parties involved. The dialogue, which brought together bandit groups and community leaders, was aimed at fostering reconciliation and finding sustainable solutions to the growing threat of banditry in Katsina and neighbouring states.

Community elders at the meeting echoed calls for restraint and urged both the bandits and security agencies to commit to genuine peace, stressing the need to safeguard residents and restore stability in the state.