Bandit Leader Behind Mantau Mosque Massacre Attends Peace Meeting In Katsina

Katsina State — Barely a week after the brutal killing of dozens of worshippers at the Mantau Mosque in Malumfashi Local Government Area, a peace meeting convened in Faskari on Sunday drew sharp attention when Babaro, the wanted bandit leader believed to have masterminded the attack, appeared among the participants.

The meeting, oorganised s part of ongoing efforts to curb the cycle of violence in Katsina State, brought together armed herders, traditional rulers, community leaders, and security representatives.

It was aimed at fostering dialogue between warring parties, encouraging reconciliation, and finding lasting solutions to the frequent clashes devastating rural communities.

Babaro, whose name has become synonymous with terror in Kankara and Malumfashi regions, arrived at the gathering under heavy escort from his men. Despite being fingered as the mastermind of the Mantau massacre that left at least 32 worshippers dead and many others injured, he was allowed to sit at the negotiating table alongside respected community figures.

It was gathered that Babaro has long been on the wanted list of both state and federal security agencies for his role in multiple raids, kidnappings, and killings.

His presence at the peace dialogue has raised serious questions about the government’s strategy of engagement with violent actors, with critics warning that negotiating with bandits could embolden them rather than weaken their grip on vulnerable communities.

Meanwhile, the state government has not issued a formal statement on Babaro’s attendance.

However, residents warn that granting legitimacy to notorious figures could further erode public trust in official institutions.