Residents of Jibia Local Government Area in Katsina State have reached a peace agreement with armed bandits operating in the region to restore stability and end years of violence.
The accord, facilitated by the Jibia People’s Forum, was sealed on Friday, 28th February 2025, at Kwari village.
The meeting brought together key community leaders, including Alhaji Gide Dahiru, Chairman of the Jibia Business Association, Alhaji Sama’ila Mai Maasara, and respected elder, Alhaji Haruna Sada Zare.
Security personnel and representatives of the Nigerian Army were also present.
A former secretary of the Islamic Justice Commission and judge at the Katsina State Court of Reconciliation, Sheikh Barrister Ibrahim Sabi’u, revealed that the peace initiative was at the request of the bandits.
“It was the bandits who requested reconciliation with the residents. We agreed to negotiate peace based on Islamic law, with the hope of bringing lasting stability to our people,” he stated.
Notorious bandit leaders, including Audu Lankai and Tukur Nigerian, were part of the negotiations.
Discussions centred on ending attacks in Jibia town and neighbouring villages, securing farmers and their farmlands, and halting cattle rustling and kidnappings.
The bandits pledged to abide by government laws in exchange for community cooperation.
During the talks, the bandits surrendered two AK-47 rifles and admitted to abducting ten residents of Daddara town who were later freed.
The freed victims were later taken to the General Hospital in Jibia for medical attention.
A resident of Daddara, Alhaji Babangida Bracket, confirmed the victims’ release after several days in captivity, expressing hope that the peace deal would end further kidnappings and attacks in the area.
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