Bandits turn out in large numbers as another peace accord meeting holds in Katsina (+PHOTOS)

A fresh round of peace accord talks under the Operation Safe Corridor initiative has taken place in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, bringing together local authorities and bandit leaders who pledged their commitment to peace.

Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagozola Makama, reported that the meeting, held on Saturday at Yargeza Primary School in Dan-Musa LGA, drew a large turnout of armed bandits.

The dialogue was convened by the Chairman of Matazu LGA, Hon. Shamsuddeen Mohammed Sayaya, in collaboration with the District Head, Alhaji Iro Maikano.

On the bandits’ side, Kingpin Muhammadu, Alhaji Sani Yellow, and Ummaru Manore were represented through a mediator, Hamisu Bastari.

Both sides reportedly assured that they would work together to achieve lasting peace and stability in Matazu and surrounding areas.

The session, which reportedly lasted about one hour and 40 minutes, ended peacefully around 3:40 p.m. Authorities added that further updates on the peace process would be communicated in due course.