Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has explained the reason behind the state government’s decision to negotiate with bandits, saying it is better than losing lives.
According to the governor, only the victims’ families will understand, and appreciate, why the government made such a drastic decision.
In an interview with the BBC Hausa service, which was monitored in Kaduna yesterday, Sani explained why his administration opted for a peace deal with the bandits unleashing terror in some parts of the state.
LEADERSHIP reports that Kaduna State has been under attack by bandits who continue to attack some communities, especially in Chikun, Kagarko, Giwa, Kajuru, and Birnin Gwari local government areas of the state, in addition to their attacks on travellers in major highways which resulted in the loss of many lives and property.
Governor Sani said, “The people affected by the violence called for the dialogue.For example, the Emir of Birnin Gwari has come with his subjects, calling for dialogue.
“When I asked his reason, he said ‘our communities have been plagued by the scourge of banditry, resulting in the tragic loss of lives and abduction of our people, for over a decade now, with no lasting solution in sight’.”
The governor added that following the pleas, he met with critical stakeholders, including the national security adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, before finally deciding to initiate the peace deal.
Further explaining that the decision came after the bandits released 200 persons abducted in Giwa and Birnin Gwari local government areas of the state, the Kaduna governor expressed optimism that the deal would restore peace to the state and enable farmers to return to their farms and businesses to bounce back.
“I’d rather negotiate with bandits than bear the weight of a single life lost in Kaduna. If not, I will be held accountable on the day of resurrection, having promised and sworn an oath,” he said.
Meanwhile, the northern apex socio-cultural organisation, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has declared its total support for Governor Uba Sani’s peace deal with bandits terrorising Kaduna State and environs.
In a telephone interview with LEADERSHIP in Kaduna, ACF spokesman, Prof T.A Muhammad Baba, said the forum welcomed Governor Sani’s approach towards ending banditry.
“ACF is ready to support any initiative to bring total peace to the Northern region. Therefore, we are in total support of Governor Uba Sani’s peace initiative or deal. We welcome and support the governor’s efforts in adopting a non-kinetic approach to end banditry in Kaduna State,” he said.
The president general of the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF), Yerima Shettima, has backed Governor Sani’s choice to negotiate with bandits as long as it yields the desired results.
Reacting to the governor’s owning up that he was negotiating with bandits, the youth leader said the governor was convinced that the negotiations would yield positive results following the release of over 200 victims by the bandits.
“Then, if the bandits can do that, it means there is some level of sincerity on their part. So, in my opinion, if the negotiation will yield positive results, I think it is not a bad idea without compromising government integrity and standards. It is often good to use kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to address security concern.
“What is essential is the result. The governor has demonstrated leadership qualities since he assumed office. He has united the good people of Kaduna State on all sides, whether religious, tribal, or ethnic, and today Kaduna is peaceful. We will support him all through.”
According to him, those that may not be happy with the governor’s move might be those supportive or unconcerned about the mindless attacks on innocent people.
“The governor is thinking about the ordinary people and how he can better their lives and this step is one of such ways, and we will support him hundred per cent” he added.
Again, 7 Farmers Killed In Benue
Suspected armed bandits have killed seven fleeing farmers of Mbaikyor Council ward in Turan community of Kwande local government area of Benue State who attempted to go back and harvest their crops, which they had abandoned during the 2024 Christmas attack.
Recall that the armed bandits, during the 2024 Christmas Day celebration around noon, attacked Yaav and Anwase in the Mbaikyor council ward, killing over 20 people while scores sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The Mbaikyor youth leader Igbawua Gandepuun, who disclosed this in a telephone conversation with our correspondent, said the visit of the Security Council and some top government officials during the Christmas attack restored their confidence in government’s ability to protect them.
Hence, they decided to go to farms to harvest their produce.
Unfortunately, they were captured and killed by the herders and up till now, we have not been able to get their corpses for burial.
He lamented, “These herdsmen are occupying most of the houses of our people, feeding their cattle with some of the harvested crops that were kept in the barns, and setting ablaze houses and farms that are yet to be harvested.”
According to him, “With what is happening, I can sense the hunger in the land because crops worth over N20 million have been set ablaze by these armed men suspected to be marauding herders, especially Farms that are beside and behind Ityuluv mountain, over 200 houses have also been raze, a situation that will render most community members homeless even if they return.
“From what is going on here, the only solution to stop these attacks is to deploy more security personnel to Ubuntu junction, Jor wata and IMyande Ukusu through Ityuluv Mountain, which is the entry points of these herders; only this can help our people to return and stay safe.”
“As I speak to you, we have neither seen these Seven people that went to their farms to harvest up till now even their corpses; this recent Killing and burning of houses and farms after the visit of the government has sent fears to the surrounding communities, especially women, children and the aged who are also fleeing in droves for fear of further attacks.
“This is harvesting season, and we can not go to the farms. Our children are no longer going to school, and many people in this community are missing, and we are helpless. The Ityuluv people living behind the Mountain have deserted, just as the people of the Moon council ward. We are begging the government at all levels to come and assess this situation again and deploy security to the areas mentioned above so that our people can come back and harvest their abandoned crops.
Gandepuun decried the distance between the security personnel stationed at the Government Secondary School Anwase, which he said is several kilometres from the settlement area where the attackers are coming from. He added that in any attack, it will take time for the security personnel to reach, and before they arrive, all the attackers will disappear into the surrounding bushes.
When contacted by telephone, Police Public Relations Officer Catherine Anene said she had yet to receive the report.
Efforts to get the chairman of Kwande LG, Vitalis Neji, proved abortive as his number was said to be switched off when filing this report.
