Katsina State lawmaker Abdurrahman Kandarawa has caused nationwide outrage after urging the Federal Government to stop arresting what he called “peaceful bandits” during a community meeting in Faskari Local Government Area.
Media reports that Kandarawa, who represents the Bakori constituency in the Katsina State House of Assembly, made the statement 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 video showed the lawmaker openly praising Barde and describing Garwa as the “commander of peace”. This came moments after he helped secure the release of 37 abducted residents through what he called a peace deal with the bandits.
Speaking in Hausa, Kandarawa said the negotiation led to the return of 17 women, two children, and 18 men. He stated that no resident of Bakori was still in captivity. He also thanked Fulani leaders, including Garwa, for keeping their promises.
He went on to call for cooperation between citizens and the government. According to him, “It is not only the responsibility of the government. We as citizens can also play our part for peace to reign.”
Kandarawa said the Katsina State Government had reached an agreement with the bandits, but he stressed that there was a condition. He argued that while the Fulani should be punished if they committed an offence, they should not be arrested randomly in markets or communities.
He added that the bandits had certain needs that should be addressed, including access to healthcare and clean water. He urged authorities to consider these demands as part of efforts to maintain peace in the area.
The video has sparked criticism across social and political groups, with many questioning the endorsement of wanted armed groups in the name of dialogue.
