Katsina: Dutsinma LGA enters peace deal with bandits

Local authorities in Dutsinma Local Government Area of Katsina State have reached a peace agreement with leaders of bandits terrorizing the area. The deal was sealed on Sunday following a meeting convened by ward, village, and district heads in collaboration with officials of the local government council. Dutsinma has for years been one of the […]

Local authorities in Dutsinma Local Government Area of Katsina State have reached a peace agreement with leaders of bandits terrorizing the area.

The deal was sealed on Sunday following a meeting convened by ward, village, and district heads in collaboration with officials of the local government council.

Dutsinma has for years been one of the worst-hit areas by banditry, with repeated attacks claiming hundreds of lives, thousands of abductions, and property losses running into millions of naira.

The peace deal was finalised at Kwanar Rogo, on the fringes of the Rugu Forest along the Dutsinma–Tsaskiya road.

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Present at the meeting were three notorious bandit leaders: Mo Nore, an indigene of Danmusa LGA; Adamu Alieru from Tsafe in Zamfara State; and Mohodinge from Safana LGA.

They reportedly control more than 500 fighters and possess hundreds of sophisticated weapons. The leaders arrived with over 100 armed men to present their terms for the peace accord.

The bandit leaders cautioned against violating the agreement, warning that while violence may reduce, total peace should not be expected immediately.

Mo Nore referenced past failed peace initiatives in other local governments, stressing that adherence to the agreed terms was crucial.

He assured that, as part of the ceasefire, all captives would be released and attacks suspended if their detained members were freed unconditionally.

“This peace deal should be genuine for lasting peace to prevail. Release our members, and we are already in the process of releasing all captives in our possession.

“We want peace. We were not like this before — we once lived and worked together peacefully until political manipulation caused this crisis. Thank God we are working to end it now,” he said.

On their part, the District Head of Dutsinma and the council chairman pledged a sincere reconciliation process, including rehabilitation, reintegration, and provision of basic needs for repentant bandits.

The council chairman, Kabir Abdulsalam, said, “From this moment, I assure you that all your demands will be reviewed with the intent to fulfill the agreed conditions — including restoring cattle routes, grazing reserves, and other essential needs.

“As Chairman of Dutsinma Local Government, I will also ensure the rehabilitation and reconstruction of communities affected by banditry.”

Dutsinma joined other LGAs in Katsina that had sealed a peace deal with bandits as a way of addressing the spate of attacks, killings, and abductions on their various communities.

The council areas that entered the peace deal are Danmusa, Jibia, Batsari, Kankara, Kurfi, Musawa, Faskari, Sabuwa and Dandume.

 

Masterminds, informants arrested

Three suspected masterminds and informants linked to the recent bandits’ attack on Kadisau village in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State have been arrested and handed over to members of the community security watch corps for interrogation.

Kadisau has suffered repeated bandit attacks in recent years, leading to deaths, injuries, and the rustling of livestock. In the latest incident, about three residents were killed, five women abducted, and an unspecified number of animals stolen.

A viral video obtained by our correspondent showed the suspects being interrogated by local security operatives in Faskari.

They were identified as Muhammadu Rabiu Babangida (45), Sa’idu Haruna (35), and Abba Ibrahim (25) — all from Kadisau, Wasani, and Maigora villages in Faskari LGA.

One of the suspects, Abba Ibrahim, confessed to participating in recent attacks on Kadisau, Unguwar Zango, and Kanawa villages.

He admitted to killing a man identified as Mai Soni during the Kadisau attack because the victim recognised him.

Abba also confessed to being a gunrunner and alleged that the assault on Kadisau was carried out by bandits loyal to the notorious kingpin Bello Turji, who operates around Maigora in Faskari and the Birnin Gwari Forest in Kaduna State.

Similarly, Muhammadu Rabiu confessed to supplying food items, fuel, and other essentials to a bandit leader known as Malam.

He admitted taking part in attacks on Wasani, Raudama, and Unguwar Gizo villages, where about ten people were killed, dozens abducted for ransom, and livestock rustled.

Another suspect, Sa’idu Haruna, also admitted to regularly supplying food, fuel, drinks, and agricultural chemicals — including herbicides and pesticides — to Malam.

He further disclosed his relationship with another terrorist kingpin, Auwali, with whom he maintained contact through errands and supply deals.