The Chairman of Funtua Local Government Area in Katsina State, Hon. Abdu Goya, has initiated a peace outreach to armed Fulani groups who recently agreed to a truce with neighbouring communities.
Goya’s engagement with the groups comes amid renewed security concerns and growing diplomatic strain following United States President Donald Trump’s warning of sanctions and Nigeria’s classification as a “country of particular concern.”
According to sources quoted by SaharaReporters, the meeting took place in parts of Funtua and was aimed at strengthening ongoing reconciliation between Hausa communities and the armed Fulani factions previously involved in violent clashes.
During the dialogue, Goya focused on rebuilding trust, promoting understanding, and reinforcing communication between both sides. He also appealed for the release of residents abducted in earlier conflicts, describing the effort as vital to sustaining the fragile peace already taking root.
He reportedly told participants that the visit sought to deepen the peace process and ensure lasting coexistence between the Fulani and Hausa communities in the area.
The outreach followed a deadly attack on Doguwar Dorawa, a farming settlement near Guga in Bakori Local Government Area, where bandits killed two brothers—Alhaji Bishir and Alhaji Surajo—and kidnapped several residents despite an existing peace agreement.
Community leader Mahadi Danbinta Guga said the brothers were murdered in cold blood. Witnesses recounted that the gunmen rode into the area on motorcycles, abandoned them in the bush, and infiltrated the village on foot to evade detection. They reportedly operated for over an hour, looting homes and seizing hostages without any confrontation.
Residents identified the attackers as loyalists of notorious bandit leaders Idi Abasu Aiki and Kwashen Garwa, who are active across Bakori and adjoining communities.
While Doguwar Dorawa was under siege, another group simultaneously attacked Layin ‘Yannehu, rustling livestock. Similar incidents have been recorded in Ganjar, Alhazawa, and Gidan Nagari in recent weeks, leaving more than 40 people abducted and several families displaced.
