Abdurrahman Kandarawa, a lawmaker representing the Bakori constituency in the Katsina state house of assembly, has asked the federal government to stop arresting “peaceful bandits”.
A viral video showed Kandarawa speaking and flanked by Isiya Kwashen Garwa, a notorious bandit leader said to be on the defence headquarters’ wanted list, and Abubakar Barde, chairman of Bakori LGA.
Kandarawa began his remarks by acknowledging Barde and hailing Garwa as the “commander of peace”.
He was speaking after securing the release of 37 abducted residents after a “peace deal” with the bandits.
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“Executive chairman of Bakori LGA, Hon. Abubakar Barde, alongside people, Faskari’s LGA secretary, the hosts Fulani, and the ‘commander of peace’, Sheikh Isiya, with his Fulani brother, who are all here present. Peace be upon you all,” the lawmaker said in Hausa.
“Today (November 28), we are gathered here again in Farin Dutse, Faskari LGA, and we are here because of the agreement we made before. They (bandits) said they will give us the remaining people they kidnapped from Bakori LGA.
“We thank God, the leadership of the Fulani under the leadership of Alhaji Adamu Alieru, the commander of peace Isiya, and all the Fulanis for keeping their promises.
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“It shows how much of a promise keeper you are, after we agreed and made promises between us. We are going home with 37 people today: 17 women, 2 children, and 18 men. That makes it 37.
“From now on no single individual from Bakori LGA is with the bandits. They are all freed.
“I will use this opportunity to call on both people and government. It’s not only the government’s responsibility; we as citizens can do our part for peace to reign.
“We now have a committee within us. I received a call today, and I was told that a motorcycle was stolen. We agreed no kidnapping, no paying ransom, and we have to keep praying and playing our parts for peace to reign.”
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Kandarawa said the state government had struck a deal with the bandits with an assurance of peace — but with a condition.
“If the Fulani do something wrong, he can be arrested and punished, but they (the government) should not be arresting them like they normally do, seeing them in markets or somewhere and arresting them,” the lawmaker said.
“Our Fulani brothers have their needs as well, like hospitals, good water, etc.”
Kandarawa asked the government to look into the bandits’ needs.
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A video has surfaced showing Katsina State lawmaker, Hon. Engr. Kandarawa, leading a mission into the forest to secure the release of 37 people kidn@pped by territories in Bakori Local Government Area.
The rescue reportedly followed a formal peace agreement👀👀 pic.twitter.com/pxfMeGDlUCAdvertisement— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) November 29, 2025
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