Katsina State has expanded its peace initiative with armed bandit groups, as twenty local government areas have now signed reconciliation agreements aimed at curbing attacks and kidnappings. The accords, initially involving twelve LGAs, have recently grown with nine more councils among them Batsari, Kankara, Kurfi, Musawa, Danmusa, Jibia, Faskari, Sabuwa, and Dandume joining the process.
On Sunday, three additional LGAs Malumfashi, Funtua, and Bakori also sealed peace deals during a meeting in the Kakumi community, bringing the total to twenty. Witnesses said the bandits arrived on motorcycles, fired gunshots into the air, and held brief discussions with community leaders and council chairmen. Journalists were barred from recording the session due to security concerns.
During the talks, the armed groups reportedly demanded the release of some detained members while expressing willingness to free captives in their custody. Officials said any such requests would be forwarded through proper security and correctional channels.
Despite the growing number of accords, many residents remain uneasy amid reports of ongoing attacks in some areas. Locals say they hope the agreements hold, allowing communities to rebuild and return to normal life, even as fourteen LGAs are yet to join the peace process.
