Community leaders in Kurfi Local Government Area of Katsina State have signed a peace agreement with bandits, raising hopes of an end to years of violence in the area.
The deal was reached on Thursday at Wurma forest, a known flashpoint for insecurity. It was brokered by the Maradin Katsina and district head of Kurfi, Alhaji Mansur Amadu Kurfi, along with the council chairman, Babangida Abdullahi Kurfi.
Notorious bandit leaders, including Alhaji Usman Kachalla Ruga, Sani Muhindinge, Yahaya Sani (Hayyu), and Alhaji Shu’aibu, pledged to halt attacks, free kidnapped victims, and allow farmers to return to their fields.
In return, community leaders promised to work with them to rehabilitate schools and health facilities, as well as ensure fair treatment for detained members.
This development makes Kurfi the fifth local government in Katsina to reach such an agreement, after Jibia, Batsari, Safana, and Danmusa.