Local authorities in Dutsinma local government area of Katsina State have reached a peace arrangement with leaders of bandits terrorizing the area.

A source in the area said 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.

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

On the fringes of the Rugu Forest along the Dutsinma–Tsaskiya road, the peace deal was finalized at Kamar Rogo.

Three notorious bandit leaders: Mo Nore, an indigene of Danmusa LGA; Adamu Alieru from Tsafe in Zamfara State; and Mohodinge from Safana LGA were present at the meeting, who are said to 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 source explained.

The bandit leaders cautioned against violating the agreement, saying that while violence may reduce, total peace should not be expected immediately, as Mo Nore referenced past failed peace initiatives in other local governments.

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

He also explained that the peace deal should be genuine for lasting peace to prevail, stressing that their members should be released, and they are already in the process of releasing all captives in their possession.

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

Kabir Abdulsalam, the council chairman explained that from that moment, he assured them that all their demands will be reviewed with the intent to fulfill the agreed conditions — including restoring cattle routes, grazing reserves, and other essential needs.

Katsina: Local authorities in Dutsinma reach peace arrangement with bandits’ leaders