According to reports, the decision to give Aleru a traditional title is an effort to bring about long-term peace in the conflict-torn Tsafe and Yandoton Daji emirates, as well as other regions of the Zamfara and Katsina states, which the terrorist and his fighters had repeatedly targeted.
Premium Times claims that the emirate elders and the terrorist leader had a conversation before deciding to make Aleru the chief.
The deadly bandit had been ordered to stop attacking communities in the emirate by the elders of the emirate in March.
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 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.
Prior to that attack, Aleru had organized several attacks against the Tsafe Local Government Area’s administrative center.
Sanusi Buba, who was the Katsina police commissioner at the time, said in 2019 that the command would offer N5 million to anyone who provided information that would lead in Mr. Aleru’s arrest.
Aleru is thought to have organized and directed the attack that killed 52 people in the Kadisau Community in the Faski Local Government Area.
The attack was in response to the police arresting his son, Sulaiman.
