A fresh round of peace talks between local authorities and bandits operating in forest areas of Bakori Local Government Area, Katsina State, was held on Sunday under the leadership of the Council Chairman, Hon. Abubakar Barde.

The meeting, which took place in Bakori town, was convened to promote peaceful coexistence and address ongoing conflicts between pastoralist groups and local communities.

Hon. Barde stressed the importance of dialogue and understanding as tools for achieving lasting peace, noting that meaningful development can only occur in a secure and harmonious environment.

He assured Fulani representatives of the local government’s commitment to sustaining peace efforts, urging them to cooperate fully with security agencies and community leaders to end hostilities in the area.

However, some residents and traditional leaders who attended the meeting expressed doubts over the effectiveness of such dialogue, pointing out that similar peace efforts in the past had failed to stop attacks.

They recalled that despite previous agreements reached in various parts of the state, bandits continued to carry out raids on villages, heightening fears and eroding public confidence in the process.

A traditional leader who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “We’ve attended several peace meetings before, but the bandits rarely keep their promises. Once the talks end, attacks resume, and people are left to suffer again.”

Residents urged the authorities to back up peace initiatives with firm security measures and ensure that any group that violates agreements faces appropriate sanctions.

The meeting was attended by community leaders, traditional rulers, Fulani representatives, and security officials.