- ‘Stop Arresting Peaceful Bandits’ – Katsina Lawmaker Tells FG.
- Kandarawa urges government to stop arresting so called peaceful bandits.
- Video sparks outrage over politician’s praise for wanted armed groups.
Katsina State lawmaker, Abdurrahman Kandarawa, has stirred nationwide outrage after urging the Federal Government to stop arresting what he described as “peaceful bandits” during a community meeting in Faskari Local Government Area.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Kandarawa, who represents Bakori constituency in the Katsina State House of Assembly, made the remarks in a viral video recorded on Friday. He appeared alongside a wanted bandit commander, Isiya Kwashen Garwa, and the Chairman of Bakori Local Government Area, Abubakar Barde.
The footage showed the lawmaker openly praising Barde and hailing Garwa as the “commander of peace”, moments after facilitating the release of 37 abducted residents through what he called a “peace deal” with the bandits.
Addressing the gathering in Hausa, Kandarawa said the negotiation had yielded the return of 17 women, two children, and 18 men, adding that no resident of Bakori remained in captivity. He expressed gratitude to Fulani leaders, including Garwa, for “keeping their promises”.
He went further to appeal for collaboration between citizens and government, saying, “It is not only the government’s responsibility; we as citizens can also play our part for peace to reign.”
Kandarawa disclosed that the Katsina State Government had reached an agreement with the bandits but insisted there was a condition attached. He argued that while the Fulani could be punished if they committed an offence, they should not be arrested arbitrarily in markets or communities.
He added that the bandits had “needs” that should be addressed, including access to healthcare and potable water, calling on authorities to consider their demands as part of efforts to sustain peace in the area.
The video has since triggered criticism across social and political circles, with many questioning the endorsement of wanted armed groups under the guise of dialogue.
