Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, on Thursday, received the first batch of repentant bandits in Birnin Gwari Kaduna.
The governor, who also reopened a cattle market in the area, which had been shut for nearly a decade due to insecurity, further pledged to ensure fairness and justice for all residents, including farmers, herders, and traders, as part of efforts to foster lasting peace and development in the state.
According to him, the State Government, in collaboration with federal agencies, had established the Peace Dialogue Group, which had been working tirelessly to engage stakeholders in achieving sustainable peace.
‘’Through numerous meetings and extensive discussions, we have built bridges of trust. Several senior bandit leaders have laid their arms and embraced peace, along with their followers.
“These individuals are being enrolled in a rehabilitation programme designed by Kaduna State Government in partnership with the Federal Government,” he said.
According to him, the programme adhered to international standards of disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration, ensuring that these individuals can return to society as productive citizens.
He warned that the rehabilitation of repent bandits was based on the principle of carrot and stick, adding that ‘’while we welcome those who choose peace, we will not hesitate to take decisive action against anyone who continues to perpetuate violence.’’
He said the security, law enforcement and intelligence agencies have already achieved significant results, neutralising bandit kingpins, dismantling criminal networks and rescuing kidnapped victims.
He added that his government was developing what he referred to as the ‘Kaduna Model,’ a ‘’comprehensive framework for sustainable peace and security.’’
‘’This model will include disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration, alongside investments in rural development and conflict resolution.
“It is a holistic approach that addresses both the symptoms and the root causes of insecurity,’’ he added.
Governor Sani said that his administration had witnessed remarkable progress, adding that ‘’through strategic communication and inclusive governance, we have earned the trust and confidence of our people.
‘’Insecurity is significantly reducing and ethno-religious tensions and farmer-herder clashes are rapidly becoming issues of the past.
“Communities from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds are now united in their support for our peacebuilding initiatives, fostering greater harmony and mutual understanding.”
Gov Sani receives repentant bandits, re-opens cattle market in Birnin Gwari