By Bashir Bello & Etop Ekanem

Katsina State government has signed a bilateral agreement with Maradi State, Niger Republic, to advance peaceful coexistence between the two countries.

Gov .Bello Masari

The documents were signed by Governor Aminu Masari and Governor Zakari Ousmanou for Katsina and Maradi states, respectively, in Maradi, with the host nation’s Minister of Defence, Alhaji Kalla Mountari, in attendance.

The pact, which is the culmination of a nearly two-year long search for solution to the spate of regional and trans-border criminal activities by cattle rustlers and other outlaws, aims to foster and strengthen socio-economic activities between the two states and emphasises free movement of people and animals in line with the ECOWAS charter.

On his remarks, Governor Masari said it was the duty of leaders to confront threats to farming in the region.

In his part, Governor Ousmanou recalled the commonality of culture and religion between the peoples of Katsina and Maradi, saying every effort must be made to strengthen the ties between Nigeria and Niger.