Nigeria, Sept. 15 -- Local communities in Katsina State have reportedly entered into negotiations with armed groups, raising fears of a repeat of a sequence whereby the collapse of peace agreements led to renewed violence.

On Sunday, communities in Faskari Local Government Area, one of the worst-hit councils in Katsina State, opened talks with the bandits.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered from multiple sources that bandit representatives, including figures accused of leading raids and abductions, sat with community leaders at a gathering in Hayin Gada.

The bandits reportedly agreed to halt attacks on villages, allow farmers safe passage, and release abducted persons in exchange for freedom of movement and market access for Fulani and the develop...