A human rights lawyer, Bulama Bukarti, has warned that peace talks between communities in Katsina State and armed bandit groups are giving criminals a free platform to display power and spread fear. Recently, two local government areas in Katsina — Jibia and Batsari — held meetings with bandits who were seen carrying dangerous weapons in public glare. Videos and pictures from the gatherings showed that the gunmen were heavily armed during the peace talk. According to the activist, “Bandits are coming out with heavy and dangerous weapons during peace talks, tying them to their bodies, giving speeches, and allowing themselves to be recorded on video. The lawyer also stressed that both the possession of such weapons and the so-called peace meetings are illegal under Nigerian law.