By FrontNaija News Desk
Published: October 13, 2025
Source: Daily Post Nigeria
In a renewed effort to restore peace in the troubled parts of Katsina State, local authorities in Bakori Local Government Area held a peace dialogue on Sunday with bandits and pastoralist leaders operating within the region’s forest zones.
The meeting, presided over by the Council Chairman, Hon. Abubakar Barde, took place in Bakori town and was convened to strengthen peaceful coexistence between herders and local residents, as well as to address lingering disputes that have fueled insecurity in the area.
Hon. Barde, while addressing participants, underscored the need for dialogue and mutual understanding, stating that no meaningful development can take place without peace and security. He reiterated the local government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote harmony and urged all parties — especially Fulani community leaders — to cooperate fully with security agencies and traditional rulers.
However, not everyone is optimistic about the outcome of the renewed talks. Several residents and traditional leaders expressed strong skepticism, recalling how similar peace efforts in the past collapsed shortly after promises were made.
According to them, previous dialogues yielded no lasting results as bandits often reneged on their commitments, returning to violent attacks soon after agreements were signed.
One traditional leader, who preferred anonymity, voiced the community’s frustration:
> “We have seen these kinds of peace meetings before, but the bandits hardly keep to their words. After every dialogue, attacks resume, and people continue to live in fear.”
Residents also lamented that many of the armed groups have refused to disarm, even after publicly pledging to do so during peace talks. They called on government authorities to complement dialogue with decisive security measures and ensure that individuals who violate peace agreements are brought to justice.
The peace meeting was attended by community heads, traditional rulers, Fulani representatives, and security officials, all seeking to forge a sustainable solution to the recurring violence that has plagued Bakori and surrounding areas.
Despite the renewed optimism from local authorities, many citizens remain doubtful, insisting that “words alone cannot stop bullets” unless backed by genuine commitment from all sides involved.
Source: Daily Post Nigeria
