No fewer than 20 of the 34 Local Government Areas in Katsina State have entered into a “peace accord” with groups identified in security reports as bandits, even as new incidents in parts of the state have raised public concerns about the effectiveness of the deal.
The “agreement” was reached at a meeting involving council chairmen and traditional rulers from the participating LGAs. According to attendees, the armed groups arrived on motorcycles, fired gunshots into the air, and left within an hour.
Journalists were not allowed to record the proceedings for security reasons.
Media accounts of the discussions indicate that the groups requested the release of individuals currently in detention while expressing a willingness to free those in their custody. Local authorities reportedly agreed to process such requests through the appropriate security and correctional institutions.
Despite the “truce,” several residents in the affected areas said they remain anxious after reports of continued attacks in some communities.
One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said people simply want “stability.”
“My only hope is for us to regain our freedom and have peace. Many lives have been lost, and livelihoods destroyed. We just want to start again,” he said.
Another community member emphasized the need for consistent dialogue to strengthen the fragile deal.
“There should be ongoing engagement to prevent misunderstandings. Strong committees need to meet regularly to review progress and address any lapses,” he said.
A third resident welcomed the “truce” cautiously, noting it could provide temporary relief for rural dwellers facing economic hardship.
“If this agreement holds, our communities may have a chance to harvest and rebuild. Many people in the southern and eastern parts of Katsina have faced serious losses,” he said.
For many, however, the main concern remains the recurring attacks in LGAs already under the peace arrangement, prompting renewed calls for sustained security measures and clearer communication from authorities.
