Safana Local Government Area in Katsina State has joined Jibia, Batsari and Danmusa in formalizing a peace agreement with armed bandits, a move aimed at restoring stability and enabling residents to live and farm without fear.
At recent peace talks held on the outskirts of Gemi Forest in Runka town, LGA Chairman Abdullahi Sani Safana, traditional authorities including Yariman Katsina, Alhaji Sada Rufa’i, and Sani Muhammed Zakka led negotiations alongside community members and bandits themselves.
They all agreed to work toward reconciliation, mutual trust, and lasting peace in Safana and surrounding areas.
Expressing optimism about the accord, Alhaji Sada Rufa’i urged the bandits to respect the agreement:
“As we have decided to hold this peace agreement, let us live peacefully. Farmers, herders, and everyone should go to their farms and work peacefully. All should be allowed to move and work freely.”
Youth leader Abdulhamid Danda also called on young people from both communities to uphold the peace and promote trust.
Chairman Safana reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare of all parties:
He instructed the education and health departments to assess schools and hospitals serving Fulani herdsmen for repairs.
He assured that residents will have free access to hospitals, markets, and other essential amenities and pledged to renovate dams for both communities.
The agreement includes 20 conditions—key among them is an end to violence and abductions, along with ensuring that farmers and herdsmen can access farmlands and towns without harassment.
Previously, peace agreements implemented in Jibia, Batsari, and Danmusa LGAs helped bring several months of relative calm, allowing communities to resume daily activities without disruption.
In Danmusa, repentant bandits surrendered their weapons and released 16 captives, including a seven-month pregnant woman, with residents celebrating the restoration of peace.
Despite these community-led efforts, the Katsina State Government reiterated that it does not negotiate with bandits. Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, stated:
“The government will not negotiate with bandits, but if they choose to drop their arms and come forward, we will give them the opportunity to live as normal citizens.”
He added that while security operations would continue in targeted areas, LGAs like Jibia and Batsari have seen notable improvements under these local arrangements. Any breach of the agreement, he warned, would trigger prompt action.
