Community leaders of Kurfi local government area of Katsina State have reached a peace agreement with bandits terrorising the area.
The move was conceived towards ending years of bloodshed, cattle rustling and kidnapping in the area.
According to sources, the historic reconciliation took place on Thursday inside Wurma Forest, one of the epicenters of insecurity, and was spearheaded by the Maradin Katsina and District Head of Kurfi, Alhaji Mansur Amadu Kurfi, alongside the chairman of the local government, Hon. Babangida Abdullahi Kurfi.
Speaking at the peace parley, the District Head, Amadu Kurfi, described the moment as a turning point for the people of Kurfi.
“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 urged the bandit leaders to appoint traditional heads among themselves to strengthen accountability.
Key bandit leaders, including Alhaji Usman Kachalla Ruga, Sani Muhindinge, Yahaya Sani a.k.a. Hayyu, and Alhaji Shu’aibu unanimously pledged to stop killings, abductions, and cattle rustling.
They assured that farmers could now return to their farmlands without fear.
“From today, we drop our weapons of violence. We want peace, and we will release the people in our custody,” they declared.
The Hon Abdulahi expressed excitement on the reached agreement, hailing the accord as the beginning of a new chapter for 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,” Hon. Abdullahi pledged.
He further announced that Fulani herders are now free to move and do business across Kurfi without harassment.
The meeting, which had traditional rulers, community elders, and residents of the most affected villages in attendance, ended with renewed hopes that lasting peace will finally return to Kurfi after years of fear and bloodshed.
Kurfin LGA is now the fifth Council in Katsina to reach negotiation with bandits, joining Jibia, Batsari, Safana and Danmusa LGAs.
