Residents of Tuge Ward in Musawa Local Government Area of Katsina State have raised concerns over continued attacks by suspected bandits, despite a peace agreement brokered earlier this week between local authorities and Fulani leaders.
The peace talks were intended to end hostilities and promote harmony between communities and bandit groups in the area. Prior to the accord, residents had kept weapons for self-defense but agreed to lay them down in the hope of lasting peace.
However, locals say armed bandits continue to freely enter villages, harass residents, and seize valuables. A source described the situation, saying, “Now, we feel like captives in our own homes, as these armed men come and go at will.”
On the night of Sunday, September 14, bandits stormed Tuge village, abducting two people. In the same week, gunmen reportedly attacked Danjanku Karachi community and Gin-gin Ward, taking more residents captive.
On Monday, September 15, armed men on motorcycles brought abductees from another village into Tuge, demanded fuel, and seized the seller’s phone. They also intercepted a trader from Tsabe village, taking his motorcycle, phone, and recently purchased shop items.
Residents expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the peace pact. “We are not challenging the wisdom of our leaders, who acted with good intentions. However, it has not yielded the desired result. We call on them to revisit the terms and clarify if the peace agreement is still in force,” a local said.
They have appealed to the Katsina State Government and security agencies to intervene urgently and protect the communities from further attacks.
