Twenty out of the 34 local government areas in Katsina State have entered into a peace agreement with armed bandit groups, even as fresh attacks continue to raise doubts about the sustainability of the pact.
The accord was reportedly reached during a closed-door meeting attended by council chairmen and traditional rulers from the affected LGAs.
Bandit representatives were said to have arrived at the venue on motorcycles, fired shots into the air as a show of presence, and departed within an hour.
Journalists were barred from filming or recording the proceedings due to what officials described as “security sensitivities.”
According to accounts of the meeting, the bandit groups demanded the release of some of their detained members while expressing willingness to free civilians held in their camps.
Local authorities were said to have insisted that such requests must follow formal processes through relevant security and correctional institutions.
However, despite the peace deal, residents of several participating communities say they remain uneasy following reports of new attacks in areas supposedly covered by the accord.
One resident, who requested anonymity, said the community is desperate for normalcy 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 sustained engagement to prevent a breakdown of the agreement.
“There must be continuous dialogue so that misunderstandings don’t escalate.
“Strong committees should meet frequently to assess the situation and address any challenges,” he noted.
A third resident welcomed the initiative but warned that its success would depend on strict compliance by all parties.
“If this agreement holds, rural communities may finally get the chance to harvest and rebuild.
“Many people in the southern and eastern parts of Katsina have suffered deeply,” he said.
For many locals, the most pressing concern remains the continuation of sporadic attacks despite the truce—an issue that has fueled calls for more effective security measures and clearer communication from state authorities.
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