Peace Talks With Bandits Continue In Katsina As Government Officials, Traditional Leaders Meet Armed Fulani 

Katsina State – Efforts to restore calm in parts of Katsina State continued on Saturday as government officials, traditional leaders, and community leaders held another round of peace talks with armed bandits in Matazu and Sabuwa Local Government Area of the state.

The gathering, which drew local government leaders, community representatives, and security stakeholders, focused on dialogue as a possible pathway to reduce the wave of kidnappings, killings, and cattle rustling that have plagued the state in recent years.

However, several armed Fulani, many believed to be operating from nearby forests, attended the meeting.

The discussions reportedly centered on demands for ceasefire, safe passage for herders, and assurances from the government that security operatives would not target repentant fighters if they laid down their weapons.

This comes barely a week after a similar peace meeting was convened in Faskari Local Government Area. That gathering made headlines after some wanted bandit kingpins openly arrived with weapons and ammunition strapped to their bodies, underscoring the boldness and influence the armed groups continue to wield across rural communities in Katsina.

While some residents welcome the government’s willingness to explore dialogue, others remain skeptical about the effectiveness of such peace talks.