Katsina Residents Decry Killings, Reject Peace Deal With Bandits
Last update: March 24, 2026
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At least fifteen people were killed after suspected bandits attacked Kadobe and Falale communities in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State, northwest Nigeria, residents said.
The incident, described by locals as unprovoked, reportedly targeted members of a vigilante group, heightening fear across affected communities.
Residents are urging authorities to abandon the ongoing peace deal with bandits, saying it has failed to protect them, with some warning they may seek help from neighbouring Niger Republic.
“The so-called peace deal only benefits residents of Jibia and Magama towns, but communities in the southern part of Jibia are systematically excluded. Because we are being attacked daily, our people relocated to the neighbouring Niger Republic for protection. The Nigerian Government should tell us we are truly from the Niger Republic, then it should allow us to invite the Niger Republic Government to protect us from the bandits' attacks," said a resident.
Locals said more than 30 vigilante members have been killed since the community-driven peace deal began.
“Since the conventional security operatives are not willing to protect us, our vigilante group should be assisted with better rifles to protect our respective communities against the bandits' attacks", residents stated.
Residents said attacks have persisted for about 20 days across rural communities in southern Jibia, forcing displacement to neighbouring states and, in some cases, into the Niger Republic.
They are calling for increased security presence and support for youths volunteering to defend their communities.
Resident added “We are up to one hundred but with fewer than ten locally made rifles. No one is assisting the peace committee and us, and local council officials hardly listen to us if we lay complaints about the atrocities of the repentant bandits.”
Residents allege some of the attackers are so-called repentant bandits taking advantage of the peace deal.
“Bandits are free to attack us with impunity because of the peace deal. We were told not to confront them, even if they are seen rustling our cows or goats", another resident stated.
As communities wait for government action, residents say they hope authorities will urgently respond to their concerns.
