Barring any last-minute intervention, the notorious terror kingpin Ada Aleru is set to be coronated as the Sarkin Fulani (the chief of the Fulani) of the Yandoton Daji Emirate on Saturday (today) in Zamfara State.
The decision to give Aleru a traditional title is reportedly aimed at finding lasting peace in the crisis-ravaged Tsafe and Yandoton Daji emirates and other areas of Zamfara and Katsina states, which the terrorist had constantly attacked with his fighters.
According to Premium Times, the decision to make Aleru a chief followed dialogue between elders of the emirate and the terror leader.
The elders of the emirate had in March asked the deadly bandit to stop attacking communities in the emirate.
A resident of the area who does not want his name mentioned said: “Aleru has gathered a lot of money and cattle, and he knows if this (fight with soldiers) continues, he may end up losing the cattle and his wealth. As the leader of most of the bandits in Yankuzo and Munhaye axis, and to a large extent, Tsafe area, he felt it would be better to reach a truce.”
While stating that the traditional title was a gesture of peace, another source told Premium Times: “There was a meeting in Yandoto two weeks ago, and those who were present saw the commitment of Ada Aleru to the peace accord. He did not beg for the title, but the emirate believes if he is given the title, it would tie him down.”
“I was at the Eid ground too, and I saw when he (Mr. Aleru) came with his boys and family members. None of them was holding guns,” he added.
He also defended the decision to confer the chieftaincy title on Aleru, stressing that peace moves between the bandit leader and the emirate was yielding results.
The source asked: “When was the last time we called to tell you that there was an attack on the Tsafe axis? I know that some people would not be happy with this decision, but can the government fight these bandits?”
He added that Aleru is expected to come alongside other notorious terrorists like Ali Zakwai, Bello Turji, Danboko, Sanata, Isuhu Yelo, Damina, and Mai Shamuwa.
Ada Aleru arrowed during a peace meeting. Photo: Premium Times
Ada Aleru was born in Yankuzo village under Tsafe Local Government Area but grew up in the main town.
Aleru, 45-year-old, leads a group of terrorists that attack communities in Tsafe and Gusau (in Zamfara) and Faskari and Kankara in Katsina State.
He is feared and respected by fellow criminals for his alleged ruthless execution of his victims.
The terrorist kingpin was accused of killing the son of the Zamfara State commissioner for security and home affairs, Mamman Tsafe.
Before that attack, Aleru had led a series of attacks on the headquarters of Tsafe Local Government Area.
In 2019, the then Katsina police commissioner, Sanusi Buba, said the command would pay N5 million to anyone who provided information that would lead to the arrest of Mr. Aleru.
Aleru is believed to have led the attack on Kadisau Community in Faski Local Government Area, killing 52 residents.
That attack was in protest of the arrest of his son, Sulaiman, by the police.
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