A notorious bandit commander in Katsina State, Isiya Kwashen Garwa, on Thursday released 37 kidnapped victims, including men, women, and children, while accusing the Nigerian government of oppression, injustice, and decades of mismanagement that, he claims, have fueled the cycle of banditry and rural violence in the Northwest.
The handover took place at Bakori Local Government Area, where the victims were received by Hon. AbdulRahman Ahmad Kandarawa, the Member representing Bakori Constituency in the Katsina State House of Assembly, in the presence of the local government chairman.
In a video sighted, Garwa appeared in a tactical jacket, armed and flanked by heavily armed fighters.
He used the occasion to deliver a fiery message in Hausa, invoking God and fate, and urging Nigerians to embrace reconciliation and peace.
“Today again, by Allah’s help, about thirty-seven people have been found. All of them were on their way fulfilling their responsibilities,” Garwa said.
The bandit leader argued that the ongoing conflict is not merely criminal but stems from long-standing grievances, failed leadership, and mistrust between communities.
He warned that force alone cannot resolve the crisis and stressed the interdependence of Hausa and Fulani communities.
“Oppression and injustice created these problems. Many villagers and leaders themselves contributed to the unrest.
“Force will not solve this; truth, fairness, and justice are the solution,” Garwa said, appealing for forgiveness and a halt to retaliatory attacks.
He accused security agents of extrajudicial killings and destructive raids, claiming these actions often provoke further violence from armed groups.
“Security agents attack innocent families, kill people, destroy homes and animals. Then our people retaliate. Where will this lead us?” he asked.
Garwa concluded by praying for peace to return to Bakori, Faskari, Katsina, and other affected communities, urging leaders and residents to abandon vengeance and embrace reconciliation.
The Katsina State government and security agencies have not yet issued an official statement on the handover or the bandit leader’s claims.
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