society
Group Raises Concern Over ‘Peace Meeting’ Between Zamfara, Katsina State Officials With Notorious Bandits
Group Raises Concern Over ‘Peace Meeting’ Between Zamfara, Katsina State Officials With Notorious Bandits
A civil society grouikp, the Citizens for Equity and Justice Initiative (CEJI), has condemned the governors of Zamfara and Katsina states over a widely criticised peace meeting held with Ado Aleru, a notorious bandit leader long declared wanted by security forces.
The meeting, held Saturday in Bichi community, Danmusa LGA of Katsina, was attended by traditional rulers, local government officials, representatives of the Nigerian Army, and top officials from both states. In widely circulated video footage, Aleru — who has a N5 million bounty on his head — was seen addressing the gathering, urging for peaceful coexistence between Fulani herders and farming communities.
Aleru has been linked to countless acts of terror and bloodshed in the north-west, with human rights organisations accusing him of orchestrating mass killings, mass kidnappings, and the displacement of thousands. His reemergence, not in handcuffs but at the centre of state-sanctioned negotiations, has sparked outrage across the country.
CEJI, a non-partisan watchdog focused on justice and rule of law, said the presence of state officials and security personnel at a meeting where Aleru was not only welcomed but offered a platform to speak, was a complete betrayal of the Nigerian people and an affront to every citizen who has lost a loved one to bandit violence.
In a statement issued on Friday, Dr Abdulmumin Sarki, CEJI president, accused governors Dikko Radda of Katsina and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara of hypocrisy and political cowardice.
“These are the same governors who, while campaigning, condemned so-called peace deals with blood-stained warlords,” Sarki said.
“Now in power, they are doing precisely what they once derided — normalising criminals as stakeholders in the governance process, even as tens of thousands of citizens remain unaccounted for due to the very violence these men unleashed.”
The group referenced a 2023 report by Amnesty International which estimated that more than 10,000 Nigerians have been killed and tens of thousands more displaced in the past two years alone as a result of banditry and communal violence in the northwest. In that context, CEJI described the peace parley as a “moral collapse of governance”.
“You do not negotiate with terrorists in the open, not when the blood of their victims is still drying, not when they remain armed, wanted, and unrepentant. It is a dangerous precedent that delegitimises state authority and emboldens violent actors,” Sarki added.
Governor Lawal of Zamfara had, in August 2023, publicly ruled out dialogue with bandits, describing such moves as “a failed strategy that has only given criminals more time to regroup and rearm.”
Similarly, Governor Radda had dismissed earlier peace talks under his predecessor as “a misguided approach that rewarded impunity.”
CEJI said both governors must be held to account for clearly contradicting their own policy positions and exposing the public to more insecurity.
“The Nigerian state cannot simultaneously claim to be fighting insecurity while its chief executives are sharing stages with those they should be arresting. This is a contradiction that weakens the rule of law and puts lives at risk,” Sarki said.
The group called on the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to immediately investigate the circumstances under which Ado Aleru was allowed to surface freely and publicly despite his wanted status.
“It is unacceptable that a man declared wanted since 2020 was able to move around with such impunity, engage state actors, and issue statements without fear of arrest. The implication is that there may be state complicity in shielding these actors, which is a grievous national security breach,” the statement added.
The group also urged the National Human Rights Commission and international partners to investigate the meeting as a possible violation of Nigeria’s obligations under international law.
“Negotiating with known perpetrators of crimes against humanity, in full view of the security agencies and the public, without any form of justice or accountability, is a breach of international norms and values,” CEJI stated.
It called on the governors to issue public explanations for their roles in the meeting and to clarify whether their administrations now officially recognise violent non-state actors as peace partners.
“If the governors of Katsina and Zamfara can legitimise a fugitive bandit in the name of peace, what will stop every other violent group from demanding the same treatment?” Sarki asked.
“That meeting undermines the rule of law. It tells victims there is no justice. It tells future terrorists that with enough weapons and violence, they too can get invited to state dinners.
“We strongly condemn that so-called peace meeting and urge the security agencies to investigate that highly provocative gathering.”
society
Ajadi Meets Fijabi Family in Ibadan, Calls for PDP Unity Ahead of 2027 Polls
Ajadi Meets Fijabi Family in Ibadan, Calls for PDP Unity Ahead of 2027 Polls
The leading gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, on Saturday, April 18, 2026, held a strategic meeting with prominent Ibadan businessman, Chief Akinade Ismail Fijabi, and his son, Hon. Saheed Akinade Fijabi, at the elder statesman’s residence in Ibadan.
Though details of the closed-door meeting were not disclosed to journalists, Ambassador Ajadi described the engagement as a crucial step toward strengthening internal cohesion within the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking shortly after the meeting, Ajadi stressed the importance of unity among party stakeholders, noting that only a united front would position the PDP for victory in the state.
Our discussion centered on unity, collaboration, and the need to build a formidable structure that will guarantee victory for the PDP in 2027. We must work together as one family if we truly desire progress for Oyo State,” he said.
Ajadi further stressed that consultations with influential stakeholders across the state remain a key component of his political strategy, adding that inclusive dialogue would help consolidate support across party lines and communities.
“This is not about individual ambition; it is about collective responsibility. We are engaging leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots actors to ensure that our party remains strong, focused, and people-oriented,” he added.
Chief Akinade Ismail Fijabi, widely known as the Agba-Akin of Ibadanland, is regarded as a respected figure in business and social circles within the state. His influence, alongside that of his son, Hon. Saheed Akinade Fijabi, underscores the political significance of the meeting.
Hon. Saheed Fijabi, a former two-term member of the House of Representatives representing Ibadan North West/South West under the All Progressives Congress (APC), recently aligned with the PDP and has remained an active player in the state’s political landscape. He notably served as chairman of the Oyo State @50 Committee, inaugurated by Governor Seyi Makinde to oversee the state’s golden jubilee celebrations.
The reports that the political observers believe the meeting may not be unconnected with ongoing realignments and consultations ahead of the 2027 governorship race in Oyo State, where key actors are already positioning and building alliances.
While neither Chief Fijabi nor his son spoke publicly on the outcome of the meeting, sources within the PDP suggest that such high-level engagements are part of broader efforts to reconcile interests and strengthen the party’s electoral prospects.
As the countdown to 2027 continues, Ajadi’s sustained consultations with influential stakeholders signal an intensifying political landscape in Oyo State, where unity, strategy, and grassroots connection are expected to play decisive roles.
society
Hadjia Akinosun Morhiyam (Omotayenreti): A Rising Star in Islamic Music
Hadjia Akinosun Morhiyam (Omotayenreti): A Rising Star in Islamic Music
By Taofik Afolabi
In a world where talent meets purpose, Hadjia Akinosun Morhiyam, popularly known as Omotayenreti, stands out as a shining light in the Islamic music scene. Young, vibrant, and exceptionally gifted, she is steadily carving a niche for herself with a voice that resonates deeply with the soul.
Blessed with a naturally sonorous and captivating tone, Omotayenreti possesses a rare ability to connect with her audience through heartfelt lyrics and spiritually uplifting melodies. Her music is not just entertainment—it is a message of faith, hope, and devotion, delivered with sincerity and grace.
Despite her youth, she demonstrates remarkable artistry, discipline, and passion that set her apart from many of her peers. Each performance reflects her deep understanding of Islamic values, as she uses her talent as a tool to inspire, educate, and uplift listeners across all walks of life.
Omotayenreti is undoubtedly a star in the making, with all the qualities needed to rise to the top of the Islamic music world. Her dedication, unique sound, and powerful voice position her as one of the most promising female Islamic singers of her generation.
As she continues to grow and evolve, there is no doubt that Hadjia Akinosun Morhiyam will leave an indelible mark on the industry—touching hearts, spreading positivity, and becoming a global ambassador for Islamic music.
Watch out for Omotayenreti, the future is bright, and her voice is just getting started.
society
PDP Guber Aspirant, Ajadi Hails Olubadan, CCII Over Successful Completion Of Ibadan Cultural Festival
PDP Guber Aspirant, Ajadi Hails Olubadan, CCII Over Successful Completion Of Ibadan Cultural Festival
A leading Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has commended the peaceful conduct and the success of this year’s edition of Ibadan Cultural Festival, describing it as a pride to all Ibadan Indigenes both at home and abroad.
Ibadan Cultural Week is an annual event and the 2026 edition was held at.the Lekan Salami Stadium Adamasingba Ibadan on Saturday.
The week celebrates the Ibadan’s rich heritage, unity, and pride, which usually features vibrant cultural displays, masquerades, and performances.
Ajadi, in a statement he personally signed on Sunday, lauded the Ibadan Cultural Festival, saying it is best of its kind not only in Ibadanland but in the entire Yoruba nation.
Ajadi said that the well conducted 2026 edition of Ibadan Week shows that the indigenes have deep love for their place of birth.
He said that Ibadan’s legacy of good culture, ambience environment and its status as the political Capital of the South West is a pride to all Indigenes.
He stated that Ibadan’s contribution to the national development and progress cannot be underestimated being the Capital of the old Western Region, which made its political status attracted many firsts to the city, which earn the city of the warriors ‘The Pace Setter.’
According to him, these include the first sky scrapper, Cocoa House, the Western Nigerian Television Services now Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), the Liberty Stadium, now Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Premier University, University of Ibadan and many others.
He therefore congratulated the indigenes especially the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu (Ladoja Arusa 1), saying his tenure will witness many more developments for the ancient city.
He called on Ibadan descendants to stand firm and ensure that the city continues to witness monumental developments.
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