In a desperate bid to curb unrelenting violence, residents of Jibia Local Government Area (LGA) in Katsina State have brokered a rare “peace agreement” with armed groups responsible for years of terror in the region. The extraordinary reconciliation meeting, which took place on Friday, February 28, 2025, in Kwari village, was facilitated by the Jibia People’s Forum, led by Alhaji Gide Dahiru.
The high-stakes gathering brought together key community leaders, including the chairman of the Jibia Business Association, Alhaji Sama’ila Mai Maasara, and prominent elder Alhaji Haruna Sada Zare. Also in attendance were security stakeholders and a delegation from the Nigerian Army, underscoring the gravity of the talks.
According to sources, the bandits—locally referred to as “terrorists”—not only admitted to carrying out recent kidnappings but also surrendered two AK-47 rifles as a gesture of goodwill. A security analyst, Zagazola Makama, confirmed that the armed men took responsibility for abducting 10 people from Daddara town.
Sheikh Barrister Ibrahim Sabi’u, a former secretary of the Islamic Justice Commission and judge at the Katsina State Court of Reconciliation, played a crucial role in the negotiations. Speaking on the development, he stated:
“It was the bandits who requested reconciliation with the residents. We agreed to negotiate peace based on Islamic law, with the hope of bringing lasting stability to our people.”
As part of the peace deal, the Jibia community made firm demands, including:
An immediate cessation of attacks on Jibia and surrounding villages.
A guarantee of safety for farmers and their farmlands.
An end to cattle rustling and extortion of local businesses.
In response, the armed groups pledged to halt their criminal activities and abide by government laws. The sincerity of their commitment, however, remains a subject of cautious optimism among residents.
Following the negotiations, the abducted victims were released and taken to the General Hospital in Jibia for medical evaluation. Alhaji Babangida Bracket, a resident of Daddara, confirmed their safe return after several days in captivity.
While the peace initiative has sparked a mixture of relief and skepticism, many fear it may be yet another fragile truce in a long history of broken agreements. The involvement of the Nigerian Army signals a level of official backing, but whether the accord will hold remains to be seen.
For now, Jibia residents can only hope that this bold and unconventional step will mark the beginning of lasting peace in their embattled community.
PIONEER NEWS 