Residents of Giwa local government area in Kaduna State have expressed joy as peace gradually returns after years of banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling.
At yesterday’s stakeholders’ meeting on the Kaduna Peace Model, community leaders, traditional rulers and security agencies expressed optimism that the pact would be sustained.
Governor Uba Sani, who was represented by his chief of staff, Mallam Sani Kila, said the peace model, which incorporates disarmament, reintegration, rural development and conflict resolution, is yielding results, with farmers returning to their farmlands.
He acknowledged that challenges remain, but assured residents that the government would continue to consolidate the peace process.
The Ardon Zazzau, Umar Abubakar Sadik, who represented the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, said the return of peace was evident as “people are smiling, children are playing, and markets are bustling again.”
The village head of Kidandan, Abubakar Umar Runka, described the peace pact as a “turning point,” saying he now sleeps in his house without fear for the first time in 10 years.
Ardo Bashiru commended the Peace Dialogue Committee for ensuring compliance with the agreement and pledged continued support for peaceful coexistence. He urged the government to ensure fairness and inclusion in its projects.
Similarly, the chairman of Miyetti Allah in Giwa, Abdullahi Fulani, called for the establishment of similar peace committees at the local government level and urged the government to roll out empowerment interventions for repentant bandits.
The state commissioner of police, Mohammed Rabi’u, praised Governor Sani’s approach, describing it as unprecedented and asked the residents to sustain the gains.
