While bandit commander attends meeting armed with RPGs and AK-47s, Katsina peace accord remains uncertain.

Community leaders, Islamic clerics, and infamous bandit gangs in the Matazu Local Government Area met for a peace talk on Saturday, but residents of the area are still worried.

Residents, who are still subject to frequent attacks, are understandably anxious after hearing that an infamous bandit commander showed up to the meeting armed with RPGs, GMGs, Rocket-Propelled Grenades, and AK-47 rifles.

The presence of such advanced weaponry at the peace discussions shocked the community leaders and priests in attendance.

You went to the peace talks armed with AK-47s, RPGs, and GMGs, and you took those same weapons back into the jungle.

“How can this be referred to as a peace deal?” a community leader questioned, bemoaning the fact that such discussions sometimes lead to more violent confrontations.

The local officials and religious leaders emphasised that in order for the peace process to be successful, both sides must be willing to put the safety of the citizens first and lay down their weapons without restrictions.

To make sure that future talks lead to a lasting peace in the area, locals have demanded that the government and security services take tougher actions.