Community leaders in Kurfi Local Government Area of Katsina State have entered into a peace pact with bandit leaders in a bid to end years of violence, kidnappings, and cattle rustling that have crippled the region.
The agreement, sealed during a meeting deep inside Wurma Forest, one of the state’s most notorious hideouts for armed groups, brought together traditional rulers, council officials, and commanders of the armed groups.
The peace talks were convened under the leadership of the Maradin Katsina and District Head of Kurfi, Alhaji Mansur Amadu Kurfi, with support from the local council chairman, Hon. Babangida Abdullahi Kurfi.
Addressing the gathering, Alhaji Amadu Kurfi described the move as a turning point for his people.
“This agreement signals a new era for Kurfi. We are choosing peace over violence, and we must guard this decision with unity and sincerity,” he said, while urging the bandit leaders to introduce internal leadership structures that would ensure accountability among their members.
On their part, the bandit commanders, including Alhaji Usman Kachalla Ruga, Sani Muhindinge, Yahaya Sani (widely known as Hayyu), and Alhaji Shu’aibu, vowed to abandon attacks.
They assured that farmers could now return to their fields without fear, while also promising the release of captives still in their custody.
“From this day, we lay down our arms. We want peace and are ready to coexist with our people,” they declared.
The council chairman, Hon. Abdullahi, hailed the peace pact as a milestone in restoring stability to Kurfi.
“With this step, insecurity in our communities will become a thing of the past. We are committed to our side of the deal, which includes reviving schools, hospitals, and ensuring that detained members are treated fairly,” he said.
He also emphasised that Fulani herders would now be free to move about and conduct their trade without intimidation.
The meeting was witnessed by traditional rulers, village elders, and residents of affected communities, many of whom expressed renewed hope that peace might finally return after years of bloodshed.
Kurfi is now the fifth local government in Katsina State to strike such an accord with bandits, following similar peace efforts in Jibia, Batsari, Safana, and Danmusa.