Deborah Akinyosoye
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 continue to express doubts over the sincerity and effectiveness of the deal, following fresh attacks in some of the affected communities.
The agreement, reached during a meeting attended by council chairmen and traditional rulers from the participating LGAs, saw the bandits arriving at the venue on motorcycles, firing gunshots into the air and leaving less than an hour later.
Journalists were barred from filming the proceedings due to security concerns.
According to media reports on details of the truce, the bandits demanded the release of their colleagues currently in detention across the state, while promising in return to free all captives in their custody. Local authorities reportedly agreed to facilitate the process through security agencies and correctional facilities.
Despite the pact, fear and uncertainty remain widespread, as some communities under the peace deal have continued to experience attacks.
A resident who spoke under anonymity said his only desire was for the security situation to stabilise.
“My only hope is for us to regain our freedom from these bandits. Let there be peace. Hundreds have lost their lives. Survivors have lost their livelihoods. Let us start a new life,” he said.
Another resident called for sustained engagement to prevent a breakdown of the fragile agreement.
“I expect constant consultation with the bandits to prevent breaches. There should be strong committees meeting regularly to consolidate on the gains of the peace deal and make reviews where necessary,” he said.
A third resident expressed cautious optimism, saying the truce could at least provide temporary relief for rural dwellers battling economic hardship.
“With this peace pact, our communities may have some relief-enough to harvest farm produce and face life. People in the southern and eastern parts of Katsina have suffered heavy economic losses,” he noted.