Community leaders in Kurfi Local Government Area of Katsina State have reached a historic peace agreement with bandits terrorizing the area, marking a significant step toward ending years of bloodshed, cattle rustling, and kidnappings.
The reconciliation meeting, held on Thursday inside Wurma Forest, one of the epicenters of insecurity, was spearheaded by the Maradin Katsina and District Head of Kurfi, Mansur Amadu Kurfi, alongside the local government chairman, Hon. Babangida Kurfi.
Speaking at the peace parley, Amadu Kurfi described the agreement as a turning point for the community:
“This is a step for the progress of our community. We have chosen peace, and we will protect this trust for the sake of our people.”
He also urged bandit leaders to appoint traditional heads among themselves to strengthen accountability.
Key bandit leaders, including Alhaji Usman Kachalla Ruga, Sani Muhindinge, Yahaya Sani (a.k.a. Hayyu), and Alhaji Shu’aibu, pledged to end killings, abductions, and cattle rustling. They further assured that farmers can safely return to their farmlands:
“From today, we drop our weapons of violence. We want peace, and we will release the people in our custody,” they declared.
Hon. Abdullahi welcomed the accord, describing it as the beginning of a new chapter for Kurfi. He promised improved infrastructure, including the rehabilitation of schools and hospitals, and pledged fair treatment of detained individuals.
He also announced that Fulani herders are now free to move and trade across Kurfi without harassment.
