In a significant effort to restore peace, residents of Jibia Local Government Area in Katsina State have brokered a reconciliation agreement with armed bandits operating in the region.
The initiative aims to put an end to years of insecurity and foster stability.
The peace meeting took place on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Kwari village, with the Jibia People’s Forum spearheading the negotiations under the leadership of Alhaji Gide Dahiru.
The gathering brought together influential community figures, including the chairman of the Jibia Business Association, Alhaji Sama’ila Mai Maasara, and respected elder Alhaji Haruna Sada Zare.
Sheikh Barrister Ibrahim Sabi’u, a former secretary of the Islamic Justice Commission and a judge at the Katsina State Court of Reconciliation, emphasized the importance of resolving security challenges through dialogue.
“It was the bandits who initiated the peace talks with residents. We agreed to negotiate within the framework of Islamic law, hoping this would lead to lasting stability,” he said.
According to Hikaya Newspaper, notorious bandit leaders Audu Lankai and Tukur Nigerian are among those participating in the peace process.
The discussions, which included Nigerian Army representatives, focused on setting conditions to ensure the agreement’s effectiveness.
As part of the accord, Jibia residents demanded an immediate halt to attacks on the town and surrounding villages, along with guarantees for the safety of farmers and their land.
In return, the bandits pledged to abide by government laws and abandon criminal activities such as cattle rustling.
During the negotiations, the bandits reportedly surrendered two AK-47 rifles and admitted to abducting ten individuals from Daddara town.
The released victims have since been taken to the General Hospital in Jibia for medical care.
A resident of Daddara, Alhaji Babangida Bracket, confirmed that the kidnapped individuals had regained their freedom after spending several days in captivity.