Two more Local Government Areas of Katsina State, namely Sabuwa and Dandume, have entered into a peace deal with bandits as a way of addressing incessant attacks, killings, and abductions.

The peace deal meeting was held on Saturday afternoon at the Kabalawa Dungun-Muazu community, a village bordering both council areas but located in Sabuwa council area.

This brings to nine councils that have entered into peace deals with bandits, with the rest of the councils including Batsari, Kankara, Kurfi, Musawa, Danmusa, Jibia, and Faskari.

The executive chairmen of Sabuwa, Hon. Sagir Tanimi, and his Dandume counterpart, Hon. Bashir Gyazama, who were present during the meeting, were said to have facilitated the peace deal.

During the meeting, which lasted several hours, it was agreed that there should be a ceasefire, with the bandits agreeing to stop attacking or harming the local communities.

It was also agreed that there should be free movement, with the bandits allowed to enter towns or communities for trade and commerce without being harmed by the local communities.

Another issue agreed upon at the meeting is the release of abducted victims by the bandits, while the bandits, on their part, requested the government to release their captured members.

Furthermore, it was agreed that both bandits and community members would work towards maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Several of the bandits who came to the meeting were armed with automatic weapons, with their leaders in attendance, including Idi Muwage, Alhaji Kabiru, Kachalla Rusku, Kachalla Murtala, Kachalla Mai Saje, Kachalla Dawa, Ardo Abdulsalam Fatika, and Alhaji Labi.

Speaking, the chairman of the peace deal, Dr. Salisu Ladan, said the agreement aims to bring lasting peace between the Hausa and Fulani communities, putting an end to killings, kidnappings, and other forms of violence in the area.

“The leaders have assured the bandits of their safety and welcomed them to continue their business activities in the local markets,” Ladan added.

It was also learnt that a cattle market in Dandume, which was closed down due to security challenges, would be opened to allow the bandits to bring in and sell their animals.

The meeting was attended by various dignitaries, including state government representatives, district heads, and council members.