Funtua LG Chairman’s Visit To ‘Ex-Bandits’ For Strengthening Peace Deal — Spokesman

The Funtua local government area council in Katsina State has clarified that contrary to the widespread circulation of photos of its chairman, Abdulmutallah Jibrin Goya, in company of armed bandits on social media, he only visited the repentant Fulani bandits in order to strengthen peace accord in the area.

In a statement issued by the Media & Publicity Directorate, Funtua Local Government Council, on Friday, the local government authorities said the recent engagement undertaken by Hon. Goya, with certain Fulani groups “previously associated with armed activities”, was conducted in good faith and with sincere intentions, noting that the purpose of the initiative was to reinforce and sustain the existing peace agreement between the Fulani groups and the wider community.

LEADERSHIP, however, observed that the photos in circulation show the local government chairman and his entourage with armed Fulani men, contrary to the claim that their hosts were ex-bandits.

The Funtua local government authorities maintained that, “This effort aligns with ongoing reconciliation initiatives carried out across several local government areas in Katsina State, including Faskari, Sabuwa, Dandume, Kankara, Jibiya, Safana, and Dutsin-Ma. Hon. Goya’s visit specifically sought to consolidate peace, strengthen cooperation, rebuild trust, and prevent any resurgence of violence in Funtua and its neighbouring communities.

“It is also important to note that, just last week, the Chairman of Sabuwa Local Government attended a wedding ceremony within one of the Fulani settlements. This gesture, like Hon. Goya’s visit, was aimed at deepening mutual understanding and fostering enduring peaceful coexistence between Fulani pastoral communities and the wider Hausa population.

“We wish to emphasize that Hon. Abdulmutallab Jibrin Goya, alongside other local government leaders in Katsina State, engages with these groups solely for the purpose of maintaining peace and ensuring community security. There is no evidence of any improper relationship, support, or endorsement beyond conflict resolution efforts aimed at preserving harmony and safeguarding lives and property.

“Hon. Goya’s continued leadership demonstrates his firm commitment to promoting stability and sustainable development. It is well recognized that meaningful progress can only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace.

“Any narratives suggesting otherwise are misleading. The engagement with the Fulani pastoral communities clearly reflects a renewed dedication to strengthening unity, encouraging mutual respect, and advancing lasting peaceful coexistence among all residents of Funtua Local Government and its environs,” the statement said.