PEACE RETURNS TO COMMUNITIES IN KADUNA AFTER 12 YEARS OF VIOLENCE

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Repentant bandits in Kaduna State have committed to honoring a peace agreement recently facilitated by the state government, offering a glimmer of hope for the communities in Birnin-Gwari, Buruku, and Sabon Birni, which have been plagued by violence.

The bandits, who had terrorized the area for over ten years, expressed deep regret for their past actions and asked for forgiveness from both the government and the affected communities.

They also requested assistance in reintegrating into society and in providing education for their children.

During a peace dialogue on Saturday, a Fulani elder, representing the infamous bandit leader Jan Bross, called on Fulani leaders across the country to encourage their people to embrace peace.

“We are grateful for this peace pact and shall continue to pray for its sustainability. We assure Governor Uba Sani and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, that we will adhere to the agreement and work towards peaceful coexistence,” the elder said.

Ibrahim Bokolo, a repentant bandit who relocated to Niger State during the crisis, said he had now returned to Birnin-Gwari and called for understanding from local vigilante groups.

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“We appeal to vigilantes to support this peace initiative and discourage any actions that could jeopardise it,” Bokolo said.

Similarly, Muhammadu Lawali, another repentant bandit, described the current peace pact as genuine and different from previous efforts.

“For the first time in years, I can move freely and interact with people. This peace pact has brought hope,” he added.

Suleiman Yes Power, a former bandit, expressed joy at the reopening of the Birnin-Gwari cattle market, which had been closed for 12 years.

“I sold my cow today and pray this peace lasts so the town can thrive again,” he said, showing off proceeds from the sale.

The Kaduna State Government, working alongside federal agencies, has established the Peace Dialogue Group to involve stakeholders and maintain the peace process.

This initiative has already produced positive outcomes, such as the reopening of the Birnin-Gwari cattle market and a boost in the grains market’s activity.

Our correspondent noted that more than 50 trucks carrying livestock departed from the cattle market to different parts of the country, indicating a resurgence of economic activity in the region.

Farmers have also started preparing land for the next planting season, including in previously inaccessible parts of the forest.

“We now see oje another as brothers. The Fulani and Hausa are working together again,” said Malam Mustapha, a farmer in Birnin-Gwari.

The Sarkin Zango of Birnin-Gwari, Hambali Muhammad, said the return of peace has brought relief to the community.

“For over a decade, this market was deserted. Today, it is bustling with life. We are grateful to Almighty Allah and the government,” he said.

The peace agreement includes the creation of a Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which consists of government representatives, Fulani and Hausa community leaders, and other key stakeholders.

The committee holds regular meetings to resolve potential conflicts and ensure compliance with the agreement.

Zubairu AbdulRauf, the Coordinator of the peace process, expressed hope that this model could be implemented in other regions of the country.

“This initiative has shown that dialogue and understanding can resolve even the most complex conflicts,” he said.