As debate intensifies over justice, fairness, and the uneven application of Nigeria’s security policies, fresh revelations show that no fewer than 20 out of the 34 Local Government Areas in Katsina State have entered into a peace accord with armed groups officially identified in security reports as bandits—even as continued attacks cast doubt on the sincerity and effectiveness of the arrangement.
The disclosure comes at a time when the Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment for terrorism, a ruling that has triggered outrage across the South-East, with critics questioning why non-state armed groups in the North are being granted negotiations, dialogue, and informal amnesty while Kanu faces the harshest possible punishment despite not being linked to any violent act.
In Katsina, the truce was reached during a meeting involving council chairmen and traditional rulers from the affected LGAs. According to those present, armed groups arrived on motorcycles, fired gunshots into the air as a show of force, and concluded discussions within an hour—after which journalists were barred from recording due to security considerations.
Reports indicate that the groups demanded the release of their members currently in detention, expressing willingness to free persons they are holding captive. Local officials reportedly agreed to forward such requests to the appropriate security and correctional authorities.
Yet, despite the agreement, fear persists among residents following new attacks in some of the LGAs covered by the truce.
One resident, who asked not to be named, said the people simply want their lives back.
“My only hope is for us to regain our freedom and have peace. Many lives have been lost, and livelihoods destroyed. We just want to start again,” he said.
Another resident stressed the need for sustained dialogue rather than one-time meetings.
“There should be ongoing engagement to prevent misunderstandings. Strong committees need to meet regularly to review progress and address any lapses,” he said.
A third resident welcomed the truce cautiously, noting that it could provide temporary relief for communities devastated by violence.
“If this agreement holds, our communities may have a chance to harvest and rebuild. Many people in the southern and eastern parts of Katsina have faced serious losses,” he said.
Still, widespread concern remains over repeated attacks even after the peace accord—raising questions about the credibility of the deal and fueling national criticism over the government’s contrasting approaches: negotiating with heavily armed criminal groups in the North while imprisoning a political agitator in the South-East for life.
For many Nigerians, the juxtaposition has deepened calls for transparency, fairness, and a unified security strategy that does not apply justice selectively or fuel regional grievances.
