Katsina State has witnessed a tentative move toward peace, as 20 of its 34 local government areas reportedly entered into a truce with bandits amid ongoing insecurity and fresh attacks in some communities.

The agreement, reached during a meeting attended by council chairmen and traditional rulers from the participating LGAs, included the bandits’ demand for the release of their colleagues currently in detention. In return, the armed groups pledged to release all captives in their custody. Local authorities reportedly agreed to facilitate the process through security agencies and correctional facilities.

The truce signing, held in Katsina, aimed to halt hostilities and restore some semblance of normalcy in the affected areas. Bandits reportedly arrived at the venue on motorcycles, fired gunshots into the air, and left in less than an hour. Journalists were barred from filming the proceedings due to security concerns.

Despite the agreement, residents remain cautious about its sincerity and effectiveness. One resident, speaking anonymously, said: “My only hope is for us to regain our freedom from these bandits. Let there be peace. Hundreds have lost their lives, and survivors have lost their livelihoods. Let us start a new life.”

Others urged sustained engagement and monitoring to prevent a collapse of the fragile pact. “There should be strong committees meeting regularly to consolidate the gains of the peace deal and make reviews where necessary,” one resident said.

Some residents noted that the truce could provide temporary relief for rural communities, enabling them to harvest crops and rebuild livelihoods after prolonged economic losses.