By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | BATSARI, Katsina State (Katsina Times)
Repentant bandits and former armed group leaders on Saturday, August 29, participated in the coronation ceremony of the newly appointed Sarkin Ruma of Katsina and District Head of Batsari, Alhaji Sani Tukur.
The appearance of the repentant bandits, who reportedly came out of the forest to attend the ceremony, was one of the major highlights of the event, which attracted residents of Batsari Local Government Area, traditional rulers, friends, associates and well-wishers from across Nigeria.
The ceremony featured a grand traditional horse-riding procession and cultural activities, during which the repentant bandits publicly expressed their support for the new traditional ruler and their commitment to peace in Batsari.
One of the repentant bandits, who identified himself as Tukur, expressed happiness over what he described as a new spirit of cooperation and unity between communities and people who had previously been associated with armed groups.
He congratulated the Ruma District and described Batsari as one of the most peaceful local government areas in Katsina State.
Another repentant bandit, Bala Musa, who was said to have been notorious in the past, also attended the ceremony and expressed satisfaction with the prevailing peace.
He said the fact that former bandits could leave the forest and freely attend a traditional ceremony in Batsari demonstrated the extent of progress made in restoring peace and confidence in the area.
“We are satisfied with the peace in Batsari and we have no fear. We wish the new traditional ruler well and pray that Allah continues to guide him to lead us with truth and justice,” Bala Musa said.
Repentant Bandits Contribute Cattle, Fura and Nono
Speaking on the significance of the development, Dr Sada Salisu Ruma, (Danwaire) who gave a brief history of the Ruma traditional institution from the time of Danwaire, said the ceremony had demonstrated an emerging spirit of unity and reconciliation in Batsari.
He said the repentant bandits contributed cattle, fura and large quantities of nono (fermented milk) to the ceremony as a gesture of support for the new traditional ruler and the peace-building efforts in the area.
Mamman Mannir Murtala, chairman of the Batsari Local Government Reconciliation and Peace Committee, said the participation of the repentant bandits was a significant indication of the progress made towards peace.
“You can see that the repentant bandits brought nono, milk and cattle, while cultural activities are also taking place,” he said.
According to him, the foundation of the peace being witnessed in Batsari is built on truth, trust and genuine commitment among the various communities.
“The secret we are proud of is building trust and confidence among ourselves,” Murtala said.
The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Fulani association, Hamisu Haruna, thanked God for bringing together residents of Batsari and Fulani who had previously lived in the forests.
He described the gathering as a historic occasion, saying the community had never witnessed such a development before.
Brigadier General Sagir Musa, who also attended the ceremony, commended the organisation of the event and expressed his best wishes to the new traditional ruler and the people of Batsari.
Sarkin Ruma Thanks Katsina Emirate, Government
In his remarks, the newly installed Sarkin Ruma of Katsina and District Head of Batsari, Alhaji Sani Tukur, thanked the Katsina Emirate, Katsina State Government, members of the Katsina State House of Assembly and the people of the state and beyond for honouring him with their presence.
He also expressed appreciation to his family members, relatives, friends and well-wishers for the love and support demonstrated during the ceremony.
The participation of repentant bandits in the event is being viewed by local peace stakeholders as a symbolic development in Batsari, particularly against the backdrop of years of insecurity and armed violence that had affected communities in the area.
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