Community leaders, Islamic clerics, and infamous bandit gangs in the Matazu Local Government Area met for a peace talk on Saturday, but residents of the area are still worried.
Residents, who are still subject to frequent attacks, are understandably anxious after hearing that an infamous bandit commander showed up to the meeting armed with RPGs, GMGs, Rocket-Propelled Grenades, and AK-47 rifles.
Clergy and community leaders who attended the talks were shocked to see such advanced weaponry displayed during the peace talks.
You went to the peace talks armed with AK-47s, RPGs, and GMGs, and you took those same weapons back into the jungle.
A community leader raised the question, “How can this be called a peace deal?” in response to the frequent attacks that follow these types of discussions.
Clergy and government officials emphasised that in order for peace talks to be successful, all sides must be willing to put their weapons down without conditions, putting the well-being of the local population ahead of their own interests.
To make sure that future talks lead to a lasting peace in the area, locals have demanded that the government and security services take tougher actions.