By Staff Reporter
An investigation has revealed that peace agreements reached in several local government areas of Katsina State are largely holding, despite occasional security breaches and criminal activities.
Findings indicate that the peace accord in Jibia Local Government Area is progressing with minimal challenges. The area's prominent bandit leader, Abdu Lankai, is said to have remained committed to the agreement. Although there have been recent incidents, including loss of lives, the developments have not led to the collapse of the peace process.
Similarly, the peace arrangement in Batsari Local Government Area continues without major disruptions. Community leaders from both Fulani and Hausa groups are reportedly working together to uphold the terms of the agreement.
The same situation largely applies in Batagarawa, Safana, Kurfi, Dan Musa, and Dutsin-Ma local government areas. In Dutsin-Ma, a security incident in the Turare area resulted in fatalities. In Safana and Dan Musa, cases of armed robbery and theft have been reported, although incidents involving mass abductions and ransom-related kidnappings have remained relatively limited.
Investigations further show that peace efforts are functioning effectively in Charanchi, Kankia, and Kusada, where the main security concerns now involve theft, robbery, and cattle rustling rather than kidnappings.
In Kankara, a notorious bandit leader known as Babaro is reported to have accepted the peace agreement. However, some criminal groups operating independently continue to carry out occasional attacks. Nevertheless, residents say the level of violence is significantly lower than in previous years.
The situation in Matazu and Musawa appears more complicated. Sources say the peace process deteriorated following a military operation during which soldiers reportedly seized cattle at Jikamshi Market. The cattle were suspected to have been stolen and were allegedly linked to the faction led by Kachalla Muhammadu, a prominent bandit commander in the area.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Kachalla Muhammadu viewed the incident as a betrayal of the peace agreement, leading to renewed hostilities and a breakdown of trust between the parties.
However, recent developments suggest a possible reopening of negotiations. Kachalla Muhammadu reportedly released a message indicating his willingness to return to the peace process, provided there is no perceived betrayal. The statement was issued after the reported abduction of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife.
In Malumfashi, the peace arrangement remains effective in some areas, although criminal groups opposed to the agreement in neighboring Kankara occasionally cross into parts of the local government to carry out attacks.
The peace accord in Bakori is also said to be holding. However, criminal elements are reported to enter from neighboring areas of Faskari and parts of Zamfara State to carry out attacks before retreating. Large-scale assaults on villages, once common in the area, have become less frequent.
In Faskari, Dandume, and Funtua, similar patterns have emerged, with periodic violations of the peace agreements but no widespread collapse of the arrangements.
The investigation also established that markets across all local government areas in Katsina State are now operating normally. This marks a significant improvement from previous years when insecurity forced the closure of several major rural markets.
Furthermore, findings indicate that road travel has become considerably safer across most parts of the state. The only routes still considered particularly challenging are those linking Musawa and Matazu, while most other roads in Katsina have witnessed notable improvements in security and accessibility.
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