Peace Accord Signed in Katsina State as Communities and Bandits Commit to Ceasefire.
Peace Accord Signed in Katsina State as Communities and Bandits Commit to Ceasefire.
A significant peace agreement has been officially signed between various communities in Katsina State and bandit leaders operating within the Funtua zone, marking a hopeful step toward ending years of violence and insecurity in the region. The development was announced via a post on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama on Monday, highlighting the collaborative effort to restore peace and stability.The peace accord involved representatives from multiple Local Government Areas, including Bakori, Kafur, Malumfashi, Kankara, and Funtua. The historic meeting took place on October 12, 2025, at Kakumi Village in Bakori LGA, under the auspices of the Operation Safe Corridor initiative, which aims to facilitate dialogue between communities and repentant bandits.
According to Makama, the primary goal of the gathering was to foster understanding and dialogue between the affected communities and the bandits, many of whom had been involved in violent clashes over the years. The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including traditional rulers, local government officials, and representatives of the bandit groups. On the community side, notable figures such as Alhaji Abdurrahman Kandarawa (Bakori), Abubakar Musa Barde (Kafur), Alhaji Bature Dan Kanjiba (Malumfashi), Alhaji Audu Goya (Funtua), and Alhaji Kasimu Dantsoho (Kankara) participated actively.Traditional leaders also played a crucial role in the dialogue.
Attendees included Alhaji Ado Bello, the District Head of Bakori; Tsiga Jarman Katsina; Galadiman Katsina Alhaji Abdullahi Mahuta of Malumfashi; Danejen Katsina Alhaji Abdulkadir of Kafur; and Sarkin Maskan Katsina from Funtua. These influential figures helped facilitate open communication and foster mutual understanding among the parties involved.Representatives of the bandit groups included Ado Aleru of Yankuzo in Tsafe LGA, Zamfara State; Isiya Kwashen Garwa of Guga Ward, Bakori LGA; Babaro of Gidan Gamji, Kankara LGA; and Alhaji Iliya Zango Dan Sabau, also from Kankara. Their participation signified a commitment to genuine dialogue and possible reintegration into peaceful society.
The meeting, which lasted from 2:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., concluded peacefully, with all sides agreeing to abide by the terms of the peace agreement. Key resolutions included an immediate cessation of hostilities, efforts to restore law and order, and the renewal of mutual respect between the communities and the repentant bandit groups.This peace deal represents a vital milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat insecurity and foster sustainable peace in Katsina State. While challenges remain, the collaborative approach and willingness to dialogue offer a promising path forward for the affected communities.
