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The Digest:

Katsina State has witnessed new bandit attacks even as the government prepares to release dozens of detained suspects as part of community peace deals. In a region caught between violence and negotiation, each decision carries the weight of a gathering storm.

Key Points:
  • Bandits attacked a wedding convoy in Kankara LGA, killing two and abducting 17, including the bride.
  • Eight abductees later escaped and were reunited with their families.
  • Another attack on Jaga village left one person dead.
  • The state plans to release detained bandits as part of peace agreements with communities.
  • Conditions for the deal include allowing bandits access to markets, hospitals, and free movement.
  • Katsina’s security commissioner said attacks have reduced by 95% in 19 LGAs since peace talks began.
  • Critics warn released suspects could return to crime, while supporters say the deal is essential for stability.

This fragile balance between justice and peace reveals the painful complexity of conflict resolution in Nigeria’s northwest. When communities negotiate with those who once terrorized them, the line between ceasefire and compromise becomes a path walked in hope and fear.

Sources: Daily Trust, PM News