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A bandit leader in Katsina State has blamed the collapse of a peace agreement between armed groups and the government on the alleged failure of authorities to fulfil commitments made during negotiations, as fresh killings and kidnappings spread across affected communities.
The allegation was made by Audu Lankai during an exclusive interview with News Central’s Rukayyah Jibia. However, the Katsina State Government denied the claim, saying implementation of aspects of the agreement was already underway.
Lankai alleged that while the bandits released kidnap victims in line with the agreement, the government failed to reciprocate by releasing some detained persons and carrying out agreed development projects.
“The government is yet to fulfil its part of the agreement, which is substantial. In our earlier agreements, we released kidnap victims. Again, the government pledged to release our people from prison, but as of today, they are yet to be released. We also agreed that schools would be constructed, but not a single one has been built,” he said.
According to him, the alleged failure to honour those commitments led to the breakdown of the ceasefire and the resurgence of attacks.
The collapse of the truce has been followed by renewed attacks in parts of Katsina State, with reports of killings, kidnappings and reprisal attacks in communities that had hoped the agreement would restore lasting peace.
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The renewed violence has also been accompanied by conflicting accounts from the parties involved, with local vigilante groups and armed bandit factions accusing one another of violating the terms of the agreement.
Responding to the allegations, the Katsina State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Yusuf Sulaimon, said the construction of schools and other basic amenities was already underway, adding that implementation of the government’s commitments would be gradual.
He said those involved in the negotiations did not fully understand government procedures, stressing that projects agreed under the peace arrangement could not be executed immediately.
Residents of affected communities have also expressed concern over the renewed insecurity, saying the return of attacks has heightened fears that efforts to restore peace have suffered a major setback.
As part of efforts to find a lasting solution, News Central said it would host a town hall meeting on July 9 titled, “From Fear to Safety: Survivors, Security and the Future of Katsina,” bringing together relevant stakeholders.
