In Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State, bandits who once unleashed terror on residents have now turned into protectors following a peace accord reached with the community about six months ago.
The development has brought relative calm to the area, allowing displaced residents to return home, farmers to resume cultivation, and businesses to recover after years of insecurity.
Malam Abubakar Mohammad, a resident of Magama, said the bandits now live peacefully among locals and even safeguard them against external threats.
“Most of these bandits are people we know. Some were once our friends before they moved into the forest.
“Since the peace agreement, they come to the market without carrying weapons, and when in the forest, they use their guns to protect us from attacks, especially from Zamfara or other places yet to embrace dialogue,” he explained.
Another resident, Uzairu Rabiu, confirmed that no attacks had been recorded in the past five to six months. While welcoming the peace, he expressed concern over flooding in Bagaruwa ward, which destroyed about 50 houses, urging government intervention in drainage construction.
Malam Zubairu Sani, Secretary of Jibia People’s Forum, said the initiative was surprisingly requested by the bandits. He praised the contributions of community stakeholders and Governor Dikko Radda’s efforts in tackling insecurity.
Once one of the worst-hit border towns in Katsina, Jibia had been crippled by banditry that forced people off their farms, schools, and businesses. With the peace accord now holding, hundreds of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have returned to rebuild their homes and livelihoods.
