A new peace dialogue between local authorities and bandits operating in the forest areas of Bakori Local Government Area, Katsina State, was held on Sunday under the leadership of the Council Chairman, Hon. Abubakar Barde.

The meeting, which took place in Bakori town, aimed to promote peaceful coexistence and address ongoing tensions between pastoralist communities and local residents.

Speaking during the session, Hon. Barde stressed that peace and development could only be achieved through dialogue, mutual trust, and cooperation.

“Security and progress can only thrive in an atmosphere of harmony,” he said, assuring Fulani representatives of the council’s support for all efforts to promote peace and stability.

He urged pastoralist groups to cooperate with security agencies and local leaders to end violence in the area.

However, many residents and traditional leaders who attended the meeting voiced doubts about the sincerity of the bandits, recalling that similar peace initiatives in the past had failed to yield meaningful results.

According to them, the armed groups rarely disarm or honour their promises, often resuming attacks shortly after dialogues.

One traditional leader, who requested anonymity, said:

“We have seen these kinds of peace meetings before, but the bandits hardly keep to their words. After every dialogue, attacks resume, and people continue to live in fear.”

Residents urged the government to back up dialogue with stronger security measures and to hold violators accountable to discourage future breaches of agreements.

The meeting was attended by community leaders, traditional rulers, security representatives, and Fulani elders, all expressing a collective desire for peace — even as doubts persist about the bandits’ sincerity.