No fewer than 20 out of the 34 local government areas in Katsina State have reportedly entered into a peace accord with bandits, even as residents express doubts about the sincerity and effectiveness of the deal following fresh attacks in some of the affected communities. The agreement was reached during a meeting attended by council chairmen and traditional rulers from the participating LGAs. The bandits reportedly arrived at the venue on motorcycles, fired gunshots into the air, and left less than an hour later. Journalists were barred from filming the proceedings due to security concerns.
According to media reports, the bandits demanded the release of their detained members across the state, while pledging in return to free all captives in their custody. Local authorities were said to have agreed to facilitate the process through security agencies and correctional facilities. Despite the pact, anxiety persists as several communities under the agreement have continued to experience attacks.A resident, who spoke anonymously, said his greatest wish was for lasting stability.
“My only hope is for us to regain our freedom from these bandits. Let there be peace. Hundreds have lost their lives, and survivors have been left with nothing. We just want to start a new life,” he said. Another resident urged authorities to maintain consistent engagement to prevent a breakdown of the fragile truce.“I expect constant consultation with the bandits to avoid breaches. Strong committees should meet regularly to consolidate any progress and make necessary adjustments,” he said.
A third resident expressed cautious optimism, noting that the agreement could offer temporary relief to rural communities struggling under severe economic pressure. “With this peace pact, our communities might at least have some breathing space—to harvest crops and face life. People in the southern and eastern parts of Katsina have suffered serious economic losses,” he said.
Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/
