Katsina Community Peace Initiative Deserves Study, Not Sabotage

By The patriotic writers 

The community-driven peace initiative in Katsina State deserves careful study and evaluation, not condemnation, sabotage, or misrepresentation.

The local government areas of Batsari, Jibia, Dan Musa, Safana, Dutsin-Ma, Batagarawa, Kurfi, Faskari, and Bakori have experienced more than a year of relative peace under a community-led reconciliation process championed by key stakeholders in those areas.

Similarly, the local government areas of Malumfashi, Funtua, Kankara, Danja, Kafur, and Dandume have also benefited from the same community-based peace arrangement for an extended period.

As a result of this initiative, incidents such as mass attacks on towns, large-scale abductions, and the forcible movement of victims into forests have significantly declined across many parts of Katsina State.

The area where the peace process faced major challenges was the Matazu–Musawa axis, where the activities of the notorious bandit leader Kachalla Maha continued to pose a threat. His operations led to repeated attacks, road blockades, kidnappings, and ultimately contributed to the circumstances surrounding the death of the late Major General Abubakar Rabe (Rtd). May his soul rest in peace.

Following the death of General Rabe, the operations carried out by Nigerian security forces in the area dealt a significant blow to Kachalla Maha's network, and it can now be said that his criminal structure has been substantially weakened.

Among the states most affected by insecurity—including Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Niger—an objective assessment will show that Katsina has made remarkable progress in restoring peace and stability.

This achievement has largely been made possible through the community-led reconciliation efforts involving local communities and armed groups operating in the area.

We challenge independent observers, researchers, and security experts to conduct an impartial study of this initiative and its impact.

Today, virtually all major armed groups operating in Katsina have allowed farmers to return to their farmlands to prepare for and undertake this year's farming season.

Many of the negative narratives about security in Katsina originate from three categories of people: those who lack sufficient knowledge of the situation; those who are sincere but have been misled by misinformation; and political opponents who are determined to undermine any success achieved by the state.

We therefore call for an independent assessment of the impact and benefits of the community peace initiative in Katsina State. Rather than condemning it or working to undermine it, stakeholders should objectively study its outcomes and learn from its successes in the interest of lasting peace and security.

Singed 

 Aliyu Muazu Hassan 

For :The Patriotic  writers.

New kado estate Abuja.