Community leaders and bandits in Kurfi Local Government Area of Katsina State, on Thursday signed a peace agreement, marking a significant step towards ending years of violence, kidnapping and cattle rustling in the region.

The agreement, brokered by the Maradin Katsina and district head of Kurfi, Alhaji Mansur Amadu Kurfi, and the local government chairman, Babangida Abdullahi Kurfi, took place at Wurma forest, a hotspot for insecurity.

Key leaders of the bandits, including Alhaji Usman Kachalla Ruga, Sani Muhindinge, Yahaya Sani (Hayyu) and Alhaji Shu’aibu, pledged to cease hostilities, release captives and allow farmers to return to their lands without fear.

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The community leaders, in turn promised to work with the bandits to rehabilitate schools and hospitals and ensure fair treatment of detained members.

This agreement makes Kurfi the fifth local government area in Katsina to reach a peace deal with bandits, following Jibia, Batsari, Safana and Danmusa.