Bandits in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State, previously known for terrorising residents, have now turned into protectors of the community following a peace agreement reached about six months ago.
Residents say the accord has brought relative peace, with many people returning to their farms and businesses after years of insecurity.
Malam Abubakar Mohammad, a resident of Magama community, told reporters on Sunday that some of the bandits now mingle freely with villagers, even visiting markets without carrying arms.
He added that they now use their weapons to shield the community from external threats, especially from neighboring Zamfara and other areas yet to embrace dialogue.
“Most of these bandits, we know them personally.
“Some were even our friends before they took to the forest.
“But since the peace accord, they now protect us instead of attacking us,” Mohammad explained.
Another resident, Uzairu Rabiu, confirmed that no attacks had been recorded in the last five to six months, describing the situation as a welcome relief.
However, he raised concerns about flooding in Bagaruwa ward, which recently destroyed about 50 houses.
He appealed to the state government and lawmakers to address the drainage problem.
The Secretary of Jibia People’s Forum, Malam Zubairu Sani, said the peace initiative was requested by the bandits themselves.
He praised the contribution of community leaders and security stakeholders, as well as Governor Dikko Radda’s commitment to tackling insecurity.
Jibia, a border town with Niger Republic, had been one of the worst-hit areas by banditry, which displaced many residents and disrupted farming, schooling, and trade.
With the peace accord in place, hundreds of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have now returned to their homes.
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