No fewer than 20 out of the 34 local government areas in Katsina State have reportedly entered into a peace agreement with bandits, even as residents remain uncertain about the sincerity and durability of the arrangement following renewed attacks in some of the affected areas.
The agreement was reached during a meeting attended by council chairmen and traditional rulers from the participating LGAs. According to eyewitnesses, the bandits arrived at the venue on motorcycles, fired several shots into the air, and left within an hour. Journalists were not allowed to record the session due to security concerns.
Reports indicate that the bandits demanded the release of their detained members as part of the truce, while pledging to free all captives in their custody. Local authorities were said to have agreed to work with security agencies and correctional centres to begin the process.
Despite the deal, tension remains high as some communities involved in the accord continue to record fresh attacks.
A resident, who requested anonymity, said his greatest wish was for the insecurity to end.
“My only hope is for us to regain our freedom from these bandits. Let there be peace. Hundreds have lost their lives, and survivors have lost everything. We just want to start again,” he said.
Another community member urged authorities to maintain consistent dialogue to prevent the fragile agreement from collapsing.
“There should be continuous engagement with the bandits to avoid breaches. Strong committees must meet regularly to sustain the progress made and review areas that need adjustment,” he advised.
A third resident expressed cautious hope, noting that even a temporary respite would help struggling rural communities.
“With this peace pact, our people may get a little relief—enough to harvest their crops and survive. Those in the southern and eastern parts of Katsina have suffered serious economic hardship,” he said.
