Twenty of Katsina State’s 34 local government areas have signed a peace agreement with armed bandit groups, even as a series of new assaults casts doubt on the durability of the truce.
The deal was reportedly struck during a closed-door meeting attended by council chairmen and traditional rulers from affected LGAs. Bandit representatives arrived on motorcycles, fired warning shots into the air to signal their presence and left after about an hour.
Journalists were barred from filming or recording the proceedings, with officials citing “security sensitivities.”
During the meeting, bandit groups were said to have demanded the release of some detained members, while expressing readiness to free civilians being held in their camps.
Local authorities maintained that any such exchanges must follow established procedures through security agencies and correctional institutions.
Despite the pact, residents in several participating communities say fear persists as sporadic attacks continue.
One resident, who asked not to be named, said communities are exhausted after years of violence.
“My only hope is for us to regain our freedom and have peace. Many lives and livelihoods have been destroyed. We just want to start again,” he said.
Another community member called for continuous dialogue to prevent tensions from escalating. “Strong committees should meet regularly to monitor developments and resolve any issues,” he noted.
A third resident welcomed the agreement but said its success depends on strict adherence by all sides. “If this deal holds, rural communities may finally be able to harvest and rebuild. People in southern and eastern Katsina have suffered a lot,” he said.
For many locals, the major concern remains the renewed attacks in areas supposedly covered by the peace accord—fueling demands for stronger security measures and clearer communication from state authorities.
