The Katsina State government has confirmed that bandits demanded schools, hospitals, and grazing reserves during community-led peace negotiations in troubled local councils.
The Katsina State government has confirmed that bandits demanded the construction of schools, hospitals, and grazing reserves as part of ongoing peace efforts in the state.
Commissioner for Security, Nasiru Mu’azu, told the BBC that the demands arose from negotiations led by local community leaders in Dan Musa, Jibiya, Batsari, Kankara, Kurfi, and Musawa LGAs. He clarified that the initiative was not government-led but community-driven.
“It was not the Katsina government that initiated the peace agreement with the militants – it was the community that demanded it,” Mu’azu explained. “It was the village leaders who negotiated with the repentant gunmen, which led to the signing of peace agreements.”
The Commissioner confirmed the bandits had tabled specific demands, including the construction of schools, hospitals, and support for animal husbandry.
Katsina has faced a surge in insecurity following the collapse of its earlier amnesty programme. Attacks spread from five LGAs in 2011–2015 to 25 LGAs by 2023. A Beacon Consulting report revealed that in the first quarter of 2025 alone, 341 people were killed and 495 kidnapped in 247 incidents.
Mu’azu said the government is considering meeting some of the demands while rolling out a reintegration programme offering literacy, vocational training, and religious education to repentant gunmen.
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