The capture of bandit leader Abdu Lankai by a rival group allied to Bello Turji has heightened tensions in Katsina’s Jibia area, raising concerns that a fragile community-backed peace deal may collapse.
A prominent bandit leader, Abdu Lankai, who spearheaded a peace deal in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State, has been captured by a rival bandit group linked to Bello Turji. Seven members of Lankai’s gang were reportedly killed during a violent clash that followed a failed reconciliation meeting.
Sources said the crisis erupted after disagreements between Lankai and rival factions loyal to Dogo Rabe and a commander known as Black, who opposed the community-driven peace initiative. An audio message by Turji confirmed Lankai is in his custody, warning the public to stay away from the internal dispute.
The development has raised fears over the sustainability of the peace deal in Jibia. “Since the news of this incident broke, residents have been living in fear,” said Yusuf Sulaiman, chairman of the Jibia Local Government Security Committee, as community leaders called for prayers to prevent a collapse of the fragile peace.