Residents of Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State have attributed the recent Easter attacks to alleged arrangements between bandits and some neighbouring communities, saying their refusal to engage with the criminals has made them a target.
The community, which was affected by the attacks, said it has consistently rejected any form of negotiation with bandits despite increasing pressure.
The Village Head of Ariko, Jashua Doka, stated in an interview that individuals from nearby communities allegedly working with the attackers had repeatedly approached Ariko leaders, urging them to open talks with the bandits.
He said the leadership turned down such requests based on moral and religious convictions.
“Some people who have aligned with these terrorists have been reaching out to us, urging us to negotiate with them, but I refused.
“If I negotiate with these terrorists and God calls me tomorrow, what will I tell Him? I fear God,” he said.
Doka explained that this stance has come with consequences, alleging that the bandits now deliberately target Ariko because of its resistance.
“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 expressed frustration over what he described as repeated appeals to authorities for security support without 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, the bandits often pass through Ariko to reach other communities that have allegedly struck deals 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 about the reported release of individuals previously arrested for allegedly collaborating with the bandits, warning that such actions weaken efforts to combat insecurity.
“There are names of people who negotiated with these terrorists that were submitted to the authorities in Kaduna. Some were arrested, but to our surprise, they were released. Now they mock us, saying they are back,” he alleged.
He also recalled an incident where a traditional ruler was attacked, noting that suspects arrested in connection with the assault were later freed.
“We had a case where a traditional ruler was attacked and brutalised. Those apprehended were taken to Kaduna, but they were eventually released. That is discouraging,” he said.
Despite the situation, Doka reaffirmed the community’s decision not to negotiate with bandits, calling on the government to strengthen security efforts and ensure justice for victims.
“We will not negotiate with terrorists. What we need is protection and justice,” he said.