Kurfi community, armed groups seal peace accord to end violence in Katsina

A peace deal between armed groups and residents of Kurfi Local Government Area, Katsina State, has raised fresh hopes of ending years of killings, kidnappings, and reprisals in the farming community.

The reconciliation meeting, held Thursday at Dajin Wurma, brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, Fulani forest leaders, and local residents.

Leading the process were the Maradin Katsina and Hakimin Kurfi, Alhaji Mansur Amadu Kurfi, and the Chairman of Kurfi LGA, Hon. Babangida Abdullahi Kurfi, who described the agreement as a step taken for the collective good of the people.

The Village Head expressed delight over the resolution and promised to rebuild trust between residents and Fulani groups.

He said traditional authorities would work inclusively with Fulani leaders to sustain the peace process.

Fulani leaders at the meeting, including Alhaji Usman Kachalla Ruga, Sani Muhindinge, Yahaya Sani (Hayyu), and Alhaji Shu’aibu, pledged to end attacks, cattle rustling, kidnapping, and reprisals.

They also promised to release kidnap victims and urged farmers to return to their fields without fear.

“From today, we will live in peace. We will not attack, kidnap, or take revenge.

“We are ready to protect our people and allow farmers to continue their work freely,” one of the Fulani leaders declared.

The LGA Chairman described the reconciliation as historic, assuring that the council would provide rehabilitation, education, and healthcare support for Fulani communities in the forests.

He also directed that Fulani groups could now move freely into Kurfi town without harassment.

“This is the beginning of a new chapter.

“We must sustain this peace by supporting one another.

“Our people deserve to live without fear,” he said.

The event was attended by elders, women, youth, and other stakeholders, who welcomed the accord with optimism that it would finally end the cycle of violence in the area.

Kurfi LGA is one of Katsina’s frontline communities badly affected by years of bandit attacks, which have caused deaths, displacement, and disruption of farming.