Authorities in Katsina State have signed a peace accord with armed groups across 20 of the state’s 34 Local Government Areas, aiming to curb ongoing banditry. The agreement was reached during a meeting attended by council chairmen and traditional rulers from the participating LGAs.
Reports indicate that the armed groups arrived on motorcycles, fired gunshots into the air, and departed within an hour. They requested the release of detained individuals while offering to free captives in their custody. Local authorities agreed to channel such requests through proper security and correctional institutions.
Despite the truce, residents in affected areas remain wary. “My only hope is for us to regain our freedom and have peace. Many lives have been lost, and livelihoods destroyed”, said one community member. Others urged continuous dialogue and the establishment of committees to monitor progress and prevent breaches.
While some view the accord as offering temporary relief, allowing communities to rebuild and harvest, recurring attacks in parts of the state underscore the need for sustained security measures and clear communication from authorities.
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