Leaders from Kurfi Local Government Area in Katsina State have successfully brokered a landmark peace agreement with bandits who have long plagued the region with violence, kidnappings, and cattle rustling.
The initiative, aimed at ending years of insecurity and fostering reconciliation, marks a significant step toward restoring peace and stability in the community.
The historic meeting took place on Thursday in Wurma Forest, a notorious hotspot for bandit activity in the area.
The peace effort was initiated by the Maradin Katsina and District Head of Kurfi, Alhaji Mansur Amadu Kurfi, alongside the local government chairman, Hon. Babangida Abdullahi Kurfi.
Speaking during the talks, District Head Amadu Kurfi hailed the agreement as a milestone for the residents of Kurfi.
“This is a step forward for the progress of our community. We have chosen peace, and we will protect this trust for the sake of our people”, he stated.
He also urged the bandit leaders to establish traditional leadership structures among themselves to ensure accountability and cooperation.
Key bandit leaders, including Alhaji Usman Kachalla Ruga, Sani Muhindinge, Yahaya Sani (a.k.a. Hayyu), and Alhaji Shu’aibu, pledged to end all forms of violence, including killings, abductions, and cattle rustling.
They assured community members that farmers could now return to their lands without fear.
“From today, we drop our weapons of violence. We want peace, and we will release the people in our custody”, they declared.
Hon. Abdullahi expressed his optimism about the agreement, describing it as the beginning of a new chapter for the people of Kurfi.
“This is the end of insecurity in our communities. We will fulfill our promises, from rehabilitating schools and hospitals to ensuring your detained members are fairly treated”, he said.
He also assured Fulani herders that they could now move freely and conduct their businesses across Kurfi without harassment or fear.
The meeting was attended by traditional rulers, community elders, and residents from the most affected villages, all of whom expressed hope that the accord would bring lasting peace to the area after years of fear and violence.
Kurfi Local Government Area becomes the fifth council in Katsina State to successfully negotiate peace with bandits, joining Jibia, Batsari, Safana, and Danmusa LGAs in similar efforts.
The agreement is seen as a significant step in addressing the root causes of insecurity in the region, with leaders and residents pledging to work together to ensure the peace is maintained for the benefit of all.
