In a shocking revelation, some armed bandit leaders in Katsina State have accused the Nigerian government of being responsible for pushing them into terrorism.
During a recent peace meeting between local authorities and bandit groups, one of the group’s representatives reportedly said:
“It was the government that wanted us to engage in banditry. People keep saying we are attacking, but it is the government that made us do it.”
This statement, first reported by Sahara Reporters and Afrika Eyes, has stirred strong reactions across Nigeria — sparking debates about the country’s long-running fight against insecurity in the North-West.
The comments came during a fresh peace pact in Katsina, where community leaders and security officials met with armed groups to explore ways to end years of killings, kidnappings, and cattle rustling in the region.
While the bandits blamed government neglect and broken promises for their actions, officials maintained that the Nigerian government is fully committed to restoring peace and bringing terrorists and kidnappers to justice.
In previous statements, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu reaffirmed that the federal government will continue to “hunt terrorists and bring them to justice,” rejecting any notion of state complicity.
The claims by the armed groups are not new — many have long accused authorities of neglecting rural communities, failing to provide security, and reneging on peace agreements.
However, there is no verified evidence that the Nigerian government deliberately turned citizens into terrorists or bandits. Analysts say the comments may reflect frustration and mistrust rather than proof of direct government involvement.
Experts note that the insecurity crisis is rooted in poverty, weak governance, and competition over resources, not a deliberate government plan.
Nigerians have taken to social media to express mixed feelings.
Some users see the statement as an eye-opening confession about how deep the problem of corruption and neglect runs in rural Nigeria. Others dismiss it as an attempt by criminals to justify their violence and evade justice.
While the bandits’ claim that “the government turned us into terrorists” has made headlines, no official evidence supports that allegation. What’s clear is that Nigeria’s northwest continues to face a serious security crisis — one that demands both justice and genuine peace-building efforts.
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