By Muhammad Mamman
Communities in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State say life is gradually returning to normal after a surprising turn of events — bandits who once terrorised the area have now taken up the role of protecting residents from external attacks.
Abubakar Mohammad, a resident of Magama community, told journalists on Sunday that the relative peace followed a peace agreement reached with the armed groups around six months ago.
“Most of these bandits are people we know — some were even our friends before they chose to isolate themselves,” he explained. “But since they embraced peace, they no longer attack us. They even come to the markets unarmed, and in the forests, they now protect us from incursions by groups from Zamfara and other neighbouring areas that have not joined the accord.”
Mr Mohammad described the current period as a “bumper harvest season”, noting that many farmers who had long abandoned their fields due to insecurity have now returned.
Another resident, Uzairu Rabiu, echoed the relief: “For the past five to six months, there have been no reports of attacks. We are truly happy. But our major challenge now is flooding. Recently, about 50 houses were destroyed in Bagaruwa ward. We appeal to the government to address this.”
At a joint security committee meeting, the secretary of Jibia People’s Forum, Zubairu Sani, credited the peace to the collaboration of local stakeholders. He revealed that it was the bandits themselves who requested dialogue, and he praised Governor Dikko Radda for his efforts in tackling insecurity.
Jibia, which borders the Niger Republic, was once one of the worst-hit flashpoints of banditry in Katsina, with residents displaced, farming disrupted and schools deserted. But with the peace pact now holding firm, hundreds of displaced persons have returned to their ancestral homes, raising cautious optimism that lasting stability may finally be within reach.
