In a bid to restore calm and bring an end to prolonged violence, residents of Jibia Local Government Area in Katsina State have brokered a peace deal with armed bandits operating in the region.
The peace meeting, organized by the Jibia People’s Forum, took place on Friday, February 28, 2025, in Kwari village, drawing community leaders and security representatives.
According to counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the gathering included key figures such as the chairman of the Jibia Business Association.
Sheikh Barrister Ibrahim Sabi’u, a former secretary of the Islamic Justice Commission and judge at the Katsina State Court of Reconciliation, highlighted the significance of resolving the conflict through peaceful negotiations.
“It was the bandits who requested reconciliation with the residents. We agreed to negotiate peace based on Islamic law, with the hope of bringing lasting stability to our people,” he said.
Hikaya Newspaper reported that notorious bandit leaders Audu Lankai and Tukur Nigerian are actively participating in the peace talks, which also involved members of the Nigerian Army. Discussions centered around establishing terms to ensure the deal’s success.
As part of the agreement, Jibia residents demanded an immediate end to attacks on the town and surrounding villages, along with assurances that farmers and their lands would be safeguarded. In return, the bandits vowed to respect government laws, cease cattle rustling, and abandon criminal activities.
During the meeting, the bandits reportedly surrendered two AK-47 rifles and admitted to kidnapping ten individuals from Daddara town. The released victims have since received medical care at the General Hospital in Jibia.
A Daddara resident, Alhaji Babangida Bracket, confirmed the victims’ release, stating they had been freed after spending several days in captivity.
