The Katsina State Government has initiated a fresh round of peace talks with armed bandits operating across five local government areas of the state, in a renewed effort to end the persistent violence plaguing the region.
The dialogue, which began on Sunday in Kakumi town, Bakori Local Government Area, reportedly brought together representatives from Bakori, Kankara, Funtua, Kafur, and Malumfashi—areas that have suffered repeated bandit attacks over the years.
According to local sources, the meeting seeks to broker a ceasefire and secure assurances from the armed groups to suspend attacks on rural communities. However, detailed outcomes of the discussions remain unclear as of press time.
Katsina, one of Nigeria’s northwestern states most affected by banditry, has previously experimented with peace agreements with mixed results. Despite earlier ceasefire deals, attacks and abductions have continued in several parts of the state.
In a related development, SaharaReporters had earlier revealed that the Chairman of Sabuwa Local Government Area, Engr. Sagir Tanimu, attended the wedding ceremony of some bandits’ children in Kadawan Dandume village shortly after a previous peace accord was reached.
The event—attended by Fulani community members and local leaders including Alhaji Ibrahim Bello Kogo, Prince of Kogo Emirate, and the District Head of Sabuwa—was said to be part of broader reconciliation efforts aimed at restoring trust between the government and the armed groups.
Nevertheless, residents have expressed skepticism, insisting that genuine peace can only be achieved when the bandits completely renounce violence and surrender their weapons.
