The residents of Jibia in Katsina State have reconciled with local bandits, seeking to restore peace in the troubled region.
The reconciliation meeting took place on February 28, 2025, in Kwari village, organized by the Jibia People’s Forum, led by Alhaji Gide Dahiru. Notable attendees included Alhaji Sama’ila Mai Masara, head of the Union of Jibia Trader’s Association, and Alhaji Haruna Sada Zare, among others.
Sheikh Barr. Ibrahim Sabi’u, a former Secretary of the Katsina State Shari’ah Commission, emphasized the necessity of mediation in addressing community challenges. He stated, “The terrorists wanted to make peace with the residents of the area, so we agreed to provide peace and stability to our people. We are satisfied to make peace with the bandits based on Islamic law.”
Hikaya Newspaper reports that several notorious bandits, including Audu Lankai and Tukur Dan Nigeria, were part of the reconciliation process. The meeting, which also included representatives from the Nigerian Army, focused on establishing terms to ensure the agreement’s success.
The Jibia community set forth several conditions for the bandits, including a cessation of attacks within Jibia town and its surrounding areas, as well as a commitment to avoid harming farmers and their fields. They also called for adherence to local laws and regulations.
In response, the bandits outlined their own expectations, demanding an end to unjust killings of livestock owners and a fair treatment from the community. They insisted on allowing authorities to handle any legal matters rather than taking the law into their own hands.
During the meeting, it was reported that the bandits returned two AK-49 rifles and acknowledged their involvement in the recent kidnapping of ten individuals in Daddara town, highlighting the ongoing challenges of violence in the region.
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Alhaji Babangida Bracket, a resident of Daddara town, confirmed that the hostages released by the bandits after spending several days in captivity have finally regained their freedom. He added that the freed hostages have been rushed to the General Hospital in Jibia town for medical attention.
This unprecedented reconciliation effort reflects the community’s desperate bid for stability amid ongoing insecurity, raising questions about the long-term in terrorism and banditry.