A new peace agreement between Fulani leaders and residents of Kurfi Local Government Area in Katsina State has sparked hope of ending years of bloodshed, kidnappings, and reprisals that have ravaged the farming community.
TIMES OF NIGERIA gathered from security analyst Zagazola Makama that the reconciliation meeting took place on Thursday at Dajin Wurma, bringing together traditional rulers, political leaders, Fulani forest leaders, and community representatives.
The initiative was spearheaded by the Maradin Katsina and Hakimin Kurfi, Alhaji Mansur Amadu Kurfi, alongside the LGA Chairman, Hon. Babangida Abdullahi Kurfi.
They described the peace deal as “a step taken for the sake of maslaha (collective interest) and the well-being of our people.”
The Village Head of Kurfi pledged to rebuild trust, engage inclusively with Fulani leaders, and sustain mechanisms that would uphold peace.
Speaking at the event, Fulani leaders, including Alhaji Usman Kachalla Ruga, Sani Muhindinge, Yahaya Sani (popularly known as Hayyu), and Alhaji Shu’aibu vowed to end kidnappings, cattle rustling, and violent reprisals.
They promised to release all remaining kidnap victims and assured farmers they could return to their fields without fear.
“From today, we will live in peace. We will not attack, kidnap or take revenge,” one Fulani leader declared.
The LGA Chairman described the reconciliation as historic, announcing that Fulani groups would be allowed to enter Kurfi town without harassment, while pledging rehabilitation, education, and health support for forest communities.
The meeting, attended by elders, women, and youths, was seen as a turning point for Kurfi, one of Katsina’s frontline communities hardest hit by banditry.