Coalition Backs Katsina Govt’s Move For Peace

A coalition of civil society and civilian security groups in Katsina state has thrown its weight behind the state government’s peace-building efforts, describing dialogue as a practical and effective approach to restoring lasting security.

The chairman of the coalition of Civilian Security Groups Supporting Dialogue in Katsina State, Shamsuddeen Na’Alhaji, stated this during an interview with journalists in Katsina.

He said the coalition supports the efforts of the Katsina state government and the people of the state to address lingering security challenges through a combination of strategies, with particular emphasis on dialogue and reconciliation with bandits.

According to him, the group arrived at its position after extensive consultations and reviews, including engagements with residents of local government areas mostly affected by insecurity.

Na’Alhaji explained that careful monitoring of media reports and field feedback revealed that peace agreements reached between communities and armed groups have yielded tangible results.

He noted that incidents of bandit attacks and kidnappings have dropped by about 90 per cent, citing improved freedom of movement across affected areas.

“Today, people can travel to Batsari or Jibia at any time, even as late as 12:30 a.m., without fear,” he said.

He added that the return of farmers to their farmlands, the reopening of schools, and the revival of markets clearly demonstrate that dialogue is gradually restoring peaceful coexistence and socio-economic activities in the state.

Na’Alhaji further argued that the dialogue-based approach has succeeded in addressing security challenges where the use of force, including firearms and military aircraft, failed.

He dismissed criticisms from opponents of dialogue, stressing that reconciliation is consistent with moral and religious values.

“Even our religion supports reconciliation and peaceful settlement of disputes,” he said.

On the Katsina State Government’s move to seek the release of bandits currently in custody, the coalition chairman said the group supports the initiative provided it leads to sustainable peace in the state.

Na’Alhaji called on the federal and state governments in Northern Nigeria to deepen the use of dialogue and reconciliation as complementary strategies in tackling terrorism, banditry, and other forms of violent conflict across the region and the country at large.