Katsina Community and Terrorists Hold Public Meeting, Reach Peace Agreement as Kidnapped Victims Are Released

Residents of Jibia Local Government Area in Katsina State have reached a peace agreement with armed bandits in an effort to end years of violence and insecurity in the region.

As part of the reconciliation, the bandits surrendered two AK-47 rifles and admitted to abducting 10 people from Daddara town, all of whom have now been freed and taken to the General Hospital in Jibia for medical care.

The peace meeting took place on Friday, February 28, 2025, in Kwari village and was facilitated by the Jibia People’s Forum, led by Alhaji Gide Dahiru.

Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama disclosed the development on Monday via his X handle.

He noted that community leaders, including the Chairman of the Jibia Business Association, Alhaji Sama’ila Mai Maasara, and elder statesman Alhaji Haruna Sada Zare, participated in the reconciliation talks.

Sheikh Barrister Ibrahim Sabi’u, a former secretary of the Islamic Justice Commission and a judge at the Katsina State Court of Reconciliation, emphasized that the negotiations were conducted under Islamic law to ensure lasting peace.

According to Hikaya Newspaper, notorious bandit leaders Audu Lankai and Tukur Nigerian were involved in the peace process.

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As part of the agreement, residents demanded an immediate cessation of attacks on Jibia town and its neighboring communities, protection for farmers, and an end to cattle rustling.

In response, the bandits pledged to abide by government laws and cease all criminal activities, including cattle rustling.

Zagazola further reported that Alhaji Babangida Bracket, a resident of Daddara, confirmed the release of the abducted victims, marking a significant step toward restoring security in Katsina State.

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