Community leaders in Kurfi Local Government Area of Katsina State have signed a peace agreement with bandit leaders who have been terrorizing the area.
The deal is aimed at putting an end to years of killings, kidnappings, and cattle rustling.
The peace meeting was held on Thursday inside Wurma Forest, one of the most notorious hotspots for insecurity.
It was led by the Maradin Katsina and District Head of Kurfi, Alhaji Mansur Amadu Kurfi, along with the council chairman, Hon. Babangida Abdullahi Kurfi.
Speaking at the meeting, District Head Amadu Kurfi said it marked a new chapter for the people.
“This is a step for the progress of our community. We have chosen peace, and we will protect this trust for the sake of our people,” he said.
He also advised the bandit leaders to select traditional heads among themselves to ensure accountability.
Bandit commanders including Alhaji Usman Kachalla Ruga, Sani Muhindinge, Yahaya Sani (popularly known as Hayyu), and Alhaji Shu’aibu all pledged to abandon violence. They promised to stop killings, kidnappings, and cattle rustling, and assured that farmers could now go back to their farms without fear.
“From today, we drop our weapons of violence. We want peace, and we will release the people in our custody,” they declared.
Council chairman, Hon. Abdullahi praised the accord, describing it as the beginning of lasting peace in 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 added that Fulani herders are now free to move around Kurfi and conduct their business without harassment.
The meeting was attended by traditional rulers, elders, and residents from villages most affected by the violence. Many left with renewed hope that peace would finally return to their communities after years of bloodshed.
Kurfi has now become the fifth local government area in Katsina to enter into peace talks with bandits, following Jibia, Batsari, Safana, and Danmusa.
Community, bandit leaders sign peace deal inside Katsina Wurma forest
