Residents of Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State have attributed the recent Easter attacks in the area to their refusal to negotiate with bandits.
The community, which was affected during the attacks, maintained that it has consistently rejected any form of engagement with criminal groups despite pressure from neighbouring communities.
Speaking in an interview, the Village Head of Ariko, Jashua Doka, alleged that some nearby communities had entered into agreements with bandits and had repeatedly urged Ariko to follow suit.
“Some people who have aligned with these terrorists have been reaching out to us, urging us to negotiate with them, but I refused,” he said.
“If I negotiate with these terrorists and God calls me tomorrow, what will I tell Him? I fear God.”
Doka explained that the community’s stance has made it a target, as bandits now attack Ariko for resisting their demands.
“The terrorists attacking us are the same ones who have negotiated with some neighbouring communities. Because we refused, they now come after us,” he stated.
He also lamented what he described as repeated appeals to government authorities for increased security presence without a meaningful response.
“We have written on several occasions, calling on the government to deploy security personnel to our community, but nothing significant has been done,” he said.
According to him, bandits often use Ariko as a passage route to neighbouring communities that have allegedly negotiated with them, exposing residents to further danger.
“They usually pass through our community to those places that negotiated with them. In the process, they attack us,” he added.
The traditional leader further raised concerns over the alleged release of individuals previously arrested for collaborating with bandits, warning that such actions undermine local resistance efforts.
“There are names of people who negotiated with these terrorists that were submitted to the authorities. Some were arrested, but to our surprise, they were released. Now they mock us,” he alleged.
He also recalled an incident where a traditional ruler was attacked, noting that suspects apprehended in connection with the assault were later released.
Despite the challenges, Doka reaffirmed the community’s position against negotiating with bandits, urging the government to prioritise security and justice.
“We will not negotiate with terrorists. What we need is protection and justice,” he said.
