Katsina community, gunmen reconcile to end bloodshed in Kurfi
By: Zagazola Makama
A new peace accord between armed groups and the people of Kurfi Local Government Area in Katsina State has raised hopes of ending years of bloodshed, kidnapping and reprisals that have plagued the farming community.
The reconciliation meeting, held on Thursday at Dajin Wurma in Kurfi LGA, brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, Fulani forest leaders and community members who have borne the brunt of attacks in recent years.
Leading the process were the Maradin Katsina and Hakimin Kurfi, Alhaji Mansur Amadu Kurfi, and the Chairman of Kurfi LGA, Hon. Babangida Abdullahi Kurfi, who described the peace deal as “a step taken for the sake of maslaha (collective interest) and the well-being of our people.”
In his remarks, the Village Head expressed joy at the resolution and pledged to rebuild trust between the community and Fulani groups in the forests. He assured that traditional authorities would engage inclusively with Fulani leaders and support mechanisms that would sustain peace.
Fulani leaders who spoke at the reconciliation including Alhaji Usman Kachalla Ruga, Sani Muhindinge, Yahaya Sani (popularly called Hayyu), and Alhaji Shu’aibu pledged their full commitment to ending violent reprisals, cattle rustling, kidnapping and other crimes in Kurfi and its environs.
They promised to release kidnap victims still in captivity and urged farmers to return to their fields without fear.
“From today, we will live in peace. We will not attack, kidnap or take revenge. We are ready to protect our people and allow farmers to continue their work without fear,” one of the Fulani leaders declared.
The Chairman of Kurfi LGA, Babangida Abdullahi Kurfi, said the reconciliation was historic, noting that the council would work to address the needs of Fulani communities in the forests, ranging from rehabilitation to education and health facilities.
He also directed that, with immediate effect, Fulani groups could freely enter Kurfi town and carry out their activities without harassment.
“This is the beginning of a new chapter. We must sustain this peace by supporting one another. Our people deserve to live without fear, and we will do everything to make that possible,” he said.
The meeting was attended by elders, women, youth and other stakeholders from the area who expressed relief and optimism that the accord would finally end the cycle of violence in the local government.
Zagazola reports that Kurfi LGA is one of the frontline communities in Katsina State that has faced persistent attacks by armed groups, leading to deaths, displacement and disruption of farming activities in recent years.
