In a stunning turn of events, peace is gradually returning to some of the most bandit-ravaged communities in Zamfara State as notorious bandit leaders who once terrorized the region have entered into ceasefire agreements with local residents. The infamous warlords—Ado Alero in Zamfara Central, Bello Turji and Dankarami in the Northern zone, and Dogo Gide in the Western zone—have laid down their arms, providing a glimmer of hope for thousands who have lived in fear for years.
For years, over 100 villages across Zamfara were under the control of these notorious bandits, who ruled as self-styled kings and imposed their own laws on the locals. However, recent reports suggest that a fragile peace is being established as the bandit leaders agree to stop attacks and allow residents to live and farm without fear of violence. Communities that were once forced to abandon their homes and farmlands due to the threat of violence are slowly returning to life, cultivating their lands for the first time in nearly a decade.
Residents from various parts of Zamfara, including the western part of Tsafe, Dansadau in Maru, and Shinkafi local government areas, recount how the situation has dramatically improved. According to locals, Dogo Gide has directed his followers not to harass or harm any indigenous farmers, leading to a revival of agriculture in areas that had long been abandoned due to insecurity. “Several farmlands that hadn’t been cultivated for seven to eight years are now being farmed,” one resident said, noting that there have been no reports of attacks or harassment since the rainy season began.
The peace accords are not without complexities. While some communities have managed to coexist peacefully with the bandits, others remain caught in a dangerous balance, where rival factions continue to impose heavy taxes and cause suffering. In areas controlled by bandit leaders like Ado Alero, the relationship between the bandits and villagers appears to be more harmonious, with residents even expressing gratitude for the newfound stability. “We thank God our community is living in peace and harmony with the bandits. They don’t harm us or cheat us, and we respect one another,” said Musa Hassan, a local resident.
Bello Turji, once a feared name across Zamfara, is now being hailed as a local hero in Shinkafi. Turji, who previously led violent raids and kidnappings, has reportedly taken on a protective role, warning his men against kidnapping or attacking villages under his control. When a group under his command recently kidnapped villagers, Turji acted swiftly—arresting and executing the leader of the group to enforce his order. This shift has allowed villagers to live without fear for almost a year, traveling freely between towns without the threat of ambush.
Despite the relative calm in some areas, tensions still simmer. Recently, a fierce battle erupted between Turji’s faction and bandits from Katsina, resulting in scores of enemy combatants being killed and others fleeing with injuries. Local sources describe how the attackers had surrounded a community in Hayin Alhaji, causing panic among residents. However, the Alero group quickly intervened, overpowering the assailants and forcing them to abandon their assault, leaving behind about 20 motorcycles in their retreat.
While these peace deals have brought a measure of relief to many communities, the situation remains fragile. The local population remains cautious, knowing that the peace is tenuous and could be disrupted at any moment by rival factions or changing allegiances. However, for now, there is hope—farmers are back in their fields, children are returning to school, and a sense of normalcy is slowly creeping back into everyday life.
With some villagers believing that divine intervention has brought about this change, there is optimism that Zamfara may finally see a sustained period of peace. “We are now at peace with the bandits,” said Alhaji Nasiru Galadi from Shinkafi. “We haven’t had any trouble with them for almost a year. Since then, we have been living in peace; we travel out from Shinkafi town to Gusau, a 95-kilometer journey, at any time without facing or expecting any attack from bandits.”
As the region watches closely, the question remains whether this newfound peace will endure or if it is merely a pause in a long cycle of violence. The coming months will reveal if these ceasefire deals can lead to a lasting resolution or if further conflict looms on the horizon.
Peoplesmind
