VIDEO: Terrorists Storm Katsina To Sign ‘Peace Deal’ Amid Rising Attacks, Imposition Of Levy On Farmers
Kankia local government authorities in Katsina State have reportedly entered into a new peace agreement with terrorists operating in the area, amid a surge in attacks and kidnappings across the state.
It was gathered that the deal was concluded on Saturday, marking the latest attempt by local officials to negotiate with armed groups terrorising communities.
In a video obtained by Ibom Focus, some of the terrorists were seen riding motorcycles, firing sporadically into the air, with no military or security presence intervening.
The peace pact reportedly involves specific groups of bandits, who continue to carry out abductions and raids in neighboring local governments where previous agreements have failed.
Katsina has in recent months witnessed a spike in violent attacks and kidnappings, yet local government authorities in Kankia appear determined to pursue negotiations.
Meanwhile, the state government maintains a formal distance from the deals, leaving communities caught between insecurity and controversial peace initiatives.
It was earlier reported that bandits had imposed a ₦20million levy on farmers in Gatakawa, a community in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, before allowing them to harvest their crops.
Families in the community are now selling belongings or borrowing money to pay the levies and access their farmlands.
According to a source and security analyst, Bakatsine, in an X post described the financial impact on residents.
He said, “For farmers in Gatakawa, the levies are crippling. Families have been forced to sell assets and borrow heavily just to access their crops.”
Bakatsine also explained that the peace agreements with bandits have not improved safety in the area.
He added, “The situation is a sign that the so-called peace agreements with bandits are largely ineffective. Communities remain vulnerable, and fear is now deeply embedded in daily life.”
On the broader consequences for local livelihoods and food security, Bakatsine warned, “Unless urgent interventions are made, rural livelihoods will continue to deteriorate, and the risk of broader food shortages will increase.”
Residents reported that even after paying the levies, bandits often return with additional demands, keeping families in a cycle of economic hardship.
Addressing the psychological impact of the levies, Bakatsine said, “The extortion is not only a financial burden; it is a psychological one. People live in constant fear, unsure if they will survive to see the harvest.”
Local leaders in Kankara LGA have appealed to state and federal authorities to take action to protect communities from repeated extortion.
“The persistence of these levies highlights a troubling reality: without meaningful security reforms, communities in Katsina State will remain trapped in fear and economic despair.”
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