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A man believed to be a bandit leader, Abdul Lankai, has shared his perspective on the events leading to a fatal encounter involving his group and some locals in Katsina State, stating that the incident affected ongoing efforts toward peace.
In a clip released by News Central TV, Lankai mentioned that he learned some of his associates were captured by local vigilantes. Thinking that a peace deal was still active, he is said to have reassured them that there was nothing to worry about. However, during the call, it was abruptly cut off, and he claimed to hear indications of chaos and conflict in the background.
Lankai stated that he quickly assembled a few of his followers and headed to the location to discover what was happening. Upon arriving, he alleged that armed vigilantes had set a trap and began shooting at them from multiple sides.
He argued that this assault left him with no choice but to defend himself and his companions. Lankai also claimed that three of his fighters had already been killed and that the vigilantes were intent on killing him as well.
The bandit leader stated that the confrontation led to the loss of 15 lives. He expressed his willingness to engage in peace discussions but insisted on the return of weapons he alleged were taken from his group and the corpses of his fallen fighters.
He remarked, “They initiated gunfire from all sides. Should I just allow them to end my life because I wish for peace? I needed to ensure my safety; their aim was to kill me. This is the reason I ended the lives of 15 people.”
