Outrage exploded on Sunday after Babaro, the dreaded warlord accused of leading the cold-blooded massacre of worshippers in Katsina, was pictured smiling at a so-called “peace meeting.”
The notorious kingpin, who has terrorised Kankara and Malumfashi for years, is alleged to have commanded the gunmen who stormed a mosque in Mantau during Isha prayers, leaving 32 worshippers dead and dozens injured.
Yet instead of facing justice, Babaro turned up at a dialogue in Faskari Local Government Area, rubbing shoulders with locals and other armed leaders under a truce deal.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama, who exposed the shocking images on X, said Babaro’s presence proves the government has lost grip on the crisis. Another analyst, Bakatsine, confirmed the deal included “mutual forgiveness,” free access for bandits into towns without weapons, safe farming and grazing — and even the release of captives without ransom.
“Peace deal in Faskari LGA, Katsina State as residents and bandits agree on unarmed entry into town by bandits, safe farming/grazing, mutual forgiveness, captives freed without ransom. Notorious figures like Ado Aleru, Babaro and Kwashen-garwa attended,” Bakatsine revealed.
No official comment has yet come from authorities, but anger is boiling as victims’ families ask why killers are being courted instead of crushed.
