Photos have emerged showing armed bandits holding what is believed to be a peace meeting with residents of communities in Katsina State.

The bandits could be seen sitting on special seats and speaking with a microphone to address the residents.

MyNigeria gathered that the meeting concluded with residents agreeing to allow the bandits to freely enter their communities from their forest abode to shop and engage in other activities, as long as they are not armed.

The bandits, on the other hand, agreed that the residents can freely go to the nearby forest and farm.

Reacting, former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, warned that bandits should not be trusted, as they are known to break truces.

He shared photos on X, saying, "They are bandit gang leaders who killed and kidnapped thousands in North West Nigeria. They raped women. They are supposed to be brought to justice or outrightly eliminated in the theatre of operations, but our security forces repeatedly failed.

"Ex-Governor Masari once tried the dialogue option in Katsina, but it failed. Katsina and Zamfara bandits have a record of infidelity to agreements, even with the presence of Sheikh Gummi. This renewed attempt will be left to be seen. The shedding of innocent blood must come to an end, by any means practicable."

Also reacting, a former presidential aide, Lauretta Onochie, warned that the reception the bandits enjoyed might inspire young residents to toe the same path.

She shared on X, "Terrorist Leader Dressed Like this, for a Peace Negotiation Meeting With Locals Of Faskari Local Government Area Of Katsina State.

"The terrible message here is that our young men who are watching in the background would admire these bandits and may aspire to be like them. That's also the message our leaders are sending to our youngsters by romancing Bandits.

"The Real Situation on the ground is that the North is Hugely Unsafe With Activities Of Bandits & Terrorists On The Rise.

"When will this government wear a cloak of seriousness? Na Dem Head Dem Go Take Carry am."

ASA