At least 20 of Katsina State’s 34 local government areas have reportedly entered a peace deal with b+ndits, even as doubts grow among residents due to fresh att+cks in some of the same communities.
The accord was reached during a meeting involving council chairmen and traditional rulers. B+ndits arrived on motorcycles, fired sh%ts into the air, and stayed for under an hour. Journalists were not allowed to record the event for security reasons.
Reports indicate the b+ndits demanded the release of their detained members, offering to free all captives in exchange. Local authorities reportedly agreed to work with security agencies and correctional services to make this possible.
Despite the agreement, many communities remain fearful as attacks persist in some areas under the truce.One resident, who spoke anonymously, said he simply wants peace restored:“People have l%st their lives and livelihoods. We just want freedom and a chance to start over.”
Another resident urged ongoing engagement to maintain the fragile accord, suggesting regular meetings and strong committees to prevent vi%lations.
A third resident noted that although the truce may not solve everything, it could offer temporary relief to rural dwellers facing economic hardship, giving them a chance to harvest their crops and rebuild.