By: Abdullahi Inuwa
BATSARI, Katsina State — In what residents described as a remarkable symbol of changing times, repentant bandits and former armed group members emerged from the forests on Saturday to join dignitaries and thousands of residents in celebrating the coronation of the new Sarkin Ruma of Katsina and District Head of Batsari, Alhaji Sani Tukur.
The appearance of the former bandits at the colourful traditional ceremony on August 29 attracted considerable attention, coming against the backdrop of years of insecurity that forced many communities in Batsari Local Government Area to live under the shadow of armed violence.
The former fighters did not come as combatants. They arrived to celebrate, offer their support to the new traditional ruler and publicly reaffirm their commitment to peace.
The ceremony featured a colourful procession of traditional horse riders, cultural displays and a gathering of traditional rulers, community leaders, government representatives, relatives, friends and well-wishers from within and outside Katsina State.
Among the repentant bandits was a man who identified himself as Tukur. He expressed happiness over what he described as a new atmosphere of cooperation between communities and individuals who were once associated with armed groups.
He congratulated the new Sarkin Ruma and expressed confidence in the prevailing peace in Batsari.
Another former bandit, Bala Musa, who was described as notorious in the past, also attended the event.
Musa said the ability of former bandits to leave the forest and participate openly in a traditional gathering was evidence of growing confidence and peace 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,” he said.
Repentant Bandits Bring Cattle, Fura, Nono
Beyond their physical presence, the repentant bandits also made a symbolic contribution to the celebration, presenting cattle, fura and large quantities of nono, or fermented milk, in honour of the new traditional ruler.
Dr Sada Salisu Ruma (Danwaire), who spoke on the history of the Ruma traditional institution, said the development reflected an emerging culture of reconciliation and unity within Batsari.
He noted that the gesture by the former bandits demonstrated their willingness to identify with the community and support efforts aimed at sustaining peace.
Mamman Mannir Murtala, Chairman of the Batsari Local Government Reconciliation and Peace Committee, described their participation as a significant milestone in the community’s peace-building journey.
He said the presence of the repentant bandits, alongside their contributions of cattle and dairy products, showed that trust was gradually being rebuilt among groups that had previously been divided by insecurity.
According to him, truth, trust and confidence among communities remain at the heart of the peace being witnessed in Batsari.
“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, also welcomed the development, thanking God for bringing together residents of Batsari and Fulani who had previously lived in the forests.
He described the gathering as historic, saying the community had never witnessed such an occasion before.
Brigadier General Sagir Musa, who attended the ceremony, commended the organisers and congratulated Alhaji Sani Tukur on his installation, while wishing the people of Batsari continued peace and stability.
Sarkin Ruma Pledges to Lead With Justice
The newly installed Sarkin Ruma and District Head of Batsari, Alhaji Sani Tukur, expressed gratitude to the Katsina Emirate, the Katsina State Government, members of the State House of Assembly and residents who turned out to honour him.
He also thanked his family, relatives, friends and well-wishers for their support and prayers during the ceremony.
For many residents and local peace stakeholders, the sight of repentant bandits celebrating openly alongside community members represented more than a traditional ceremony.
It offered a powerful picture of a community attempting to move beyond its troubled past and rebuild relationships damaged by years of violence.
Their presence at the palace ceremony, therefore, has emerged as one of the most striking symbols yet of Batsari’s ongoing journey from insecurity towards reconciliation, trust and lasting peace.
Source:@KatsinaTimes
About The Author
