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Katsina Council Opens Peace Talks With Bandits to End Forest Violence
BAKORI, Nigeria (Oct. 13, 2025) — Local authorities in Katsina State have begun a peace dialogue with bandits operating in the forest areas of Bakori Local Government Area as part of efforts to restore security and end years of attacks that have troubled the region.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The meeting, which took place on Sunday, was led by the Bakori Council Chairman, Hon. Abubakar Barde, and brought together community leaders, security representatives, and key figures from the affected rural communities.
Barde said the initiative was aimed at building trust between the local government and the armed groups that have been terrorizing villages, kidnapping residents, and disrupting farming activities. According to him, the dialogue is a first step toward achieving lasting peace in the area.
“Our goal is simple — to stop the bloodshed and allow our people to live and farm without fear,” Barde said during the meeting. “We want to give peace a chance and see how we can convince those in the forests to lay down their arms.”
Over the past few years, Bakori and several other local government areas in Katsina State have been hit by repeated attacks blamed on bandits who target farmers and travelers. Hundreds of residents have been displaced, while many have lost their lives or livelihoods.
The peace meeting was reportedly attended by traditional rulers, youth leaders, religious clerics, and representatives of the state government. Security officials were also present to observe the process and ensure that discussions stayed peaceful.
Sources close to the dialogue said that some of the bandit representatives agreed to consider the government’s peace proposal, which includes rehabilitation and reintegration programs for those willing to surrender their weapons.
A local resident, Malam Musa Bakori, said the people are hopeful but cautious. “We want peace, but we have heard such promises before,” he said. “We pray this time it will work and we can go back to our farms safely.”
Security experts have expressed mixed opinions about peace talks with armed groups. While some say dialogue is necessary to reduce violence, others warn that it might embolden criminals if not followed by strong enforcement measures.
Katsina State, one of the states most affected by banditry in Nigeria’s northwest region, has been implementing both military operations and peace initiatives to address insecurity. Governor Dikko Umar Radda has previously said that his administration is open to all approaches that can bring peace to rural communities.
The state government is expected to monitor the Bakori peace process closely to determine its effectiveness and decide whether it should be expanded to other troubled areas.
For now, residents are watching with cautious optimism. “If the bandits truly want peace, we will welcome them,” said Hajiya Rabi, a widow whose husband was killed in an earlier attack. “We just want to live without fear again.”
As the dialogue continues, the people of Bakori hope that Sunday’s meeting will mark the beginning of a new era of calm and cooperation in the region’s forests and farmlands.
A group of Nigerians has staged a protest at the United Kingdom Parliament, calling for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The demonstrators reportedly gathered outside the parliamentary complex, expressing dissatisfaction with the leadership of the electoral body in Nigeria and demanding immediate action.
They insisted that the INEC chairman should be removed, alleging concerns over credibility and trust in the electoral process as the country prepares for the next election cycle.
The protest drew attention from passersby and security personnel, as the group maintained their position that electoral reforms and leadership changes were necessary to restore public confidence.
Sir Uyi has responded strongly to critics of his involvement in nightclub businesses, insisting that such ventures represent only a small part of his wider activities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a firm reaction to recent criticism linked to Vaniti, he stated that people are focusing too much on his nightlife businesses while ignoring other aspects of his work and achievements.
He stressed that his nightclub operations do not define his entire identity or professional portfolio, adding that he is involved in several other ventures beyond entertainment and hospitality.
According to him, the criticism reflects a narrow perception of what he does, and he believes his broader contributions are being overlooked.
Sir Uyi maintained that he remains focused on his various commitments despite public scrutiny surrounding his nightlife business interests.
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of seven suspected militia herdsmen in connection with the abduction of passengers travelling in an 18-seater Benue Links bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo road last Wednesday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The victims, which included candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) heading to Otukpo for their examinations, have all been successfully rescued.
Speaking while briefing Governor Hyacinth Alia in Makurdi during the presentation of the freed victims, the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, said the rescue operation was achieved through coordinated efforts of multiple security agencies.
He explained that five of the abducted passengers were first released, while the remaining 13 were rescued on Sunday morning without injuries.
According to him, the combined pressure from security forces, supported by the state government and the Inspector-General of Police, led to the successful outcome of the operation.
Emenari further disclosed that eight suspects are currently in custody, adding that seven of them are strongly linked to the kidnapping incident, with some victims already identifying them.
He also noted that clearance operations have begun across forest areas in the state to flush out criminal groups, in line with directives from security authorities.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, while receiving the rescued passengers, expressed concern over rising cases of kidnapping in the state but welcomed the safe return of all 18 victims.
He confirmed that among those rescued were eight candidates on their way to write examinations, and called on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to reschedule the affected exams for them.
The governor assured that the state government remains committed to supporting the victims and strengthening security across Benue State, while also urging residents to provide credible information to security agencies.
He further directed the state health authorities to conduct medical evaluations for all rescued persons and promised government support for those affected.
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