A wanted bandit leader, Ado Aleru, has warned that his group will not drop their weapons as long as they continue to be called terrorists.
He made this known during a peace meeting held in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Aleru, who spoke on behalf of his group, claimed that many of them turned to violence because of years of being ignored and treated unfairly.
According to him, they are not fighting out of hatred but because of how life has pushed them.
He said their actions were the result of frustration and a fight for survival.
He explained that neither their parents nor the group members are happy with the path they have taken, but they feel forced into it.
He said they would rather go back to the days when herders and farmers lived peacefully and security forces carried out their duties without favour.
Aleru added that peace will not be possible if the public and the government continue to use negative names to describe them.
He said true peace can only come if there is mutual respect and proper talks with honesty.
The peace talk in Danmusa is one of several efforts by the government, security agents, and community leaders to stop ongoing violence in the North-West.
The region has faced years of deadly clashes involving armed groups and security forces.
Local leaders are working to find ways to bring peace and rebuild trust.
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