The Chairman of Funtua Local Government Area in Katsina State, Hon. Abdu Goya, has reportedly held a meeting with armed groups involved in banditry activities under the guise of a “peace initiative,” sparking mixed reactions within the state.
According to SaharaReporters, the meeting took place in parts of Funtua and was aimed at consolidating ongoing peace efforts between Hausa communities and armed Fulani groups that have engaged in violent clashes in the past.
Goya’s engagement with the groups comes amid mounting diplomatic tension following U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threat of military action and the designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged religious persecution.
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During the meeting, the council boss reportedly advocated for reconciliation and dialogue, urging the warring sides to shun violence and embrace peace. He also appealed for the release of individuals abducted during previous conflicts in the area.
Goya was quoted as emphasizing that the initiative seeks to “deepen the peace process already established between the armed Fulani and Hausa communities” and ensure long-term stability across the region.
While local sources described the visit as a bold step toward sustainable peace, others criticized the move, expressing concern that such engagements could legitimize or embolden criminal actors responsible for terrorizing rural communities.
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Security analysts have also warned that local peace deals involving unverified armed groups may backfire if not backed by formal security arrangements or federal oversight.
The Katsina State Government has not yet issued an official statement regarding the meeting.
Katsina, like several other states in the Northwest, has been plagued by bandit attacks, kidnappings, and communal violence, forcing authorities to experiment with negotiation-based peace strategies—often with mixed outcomes.