At least 20 of the 34 Local Government Areas in Katsina State have reportedly entered into a peace accord with suspected bandits to ensure peace and free movements in communities, even as fresh incidents in parts of the state have raised public concerns over the effectiveness of the arrangement.
The agreement was reached during a meeting involving council chairmen and traditional rulers from the participating LGAs.
Attendees reported that the armed groups arrived on motorcycles, discharged gunshots into the air, and departed within an hour.
According to media accounts of the discussions, the groups requested the release of individuals currently in detention, while indicating a willingness to free those in their custody. Local authorities were said to have agreed to channel any such requests through the appropriate security and correctional institutions.
Despite the truce, several residents in areas covered by the agreement say they remain anxious after reports of continued attacks in some communities.
Netizens have complained that it was appalling for a state to make arrangements with bandits to secure their lives and properties instead of boosting the security apparatus of the state.
Is a deal with bandits the only solution to stop insecurity in Katsina State?
