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Peace have finally returned to three communities in Kaduna State after twelve years of violence and insecurity in the areas.

This is coming on the heels of a peace pact signed by repentant bandits in the area who pledged to embrace peace.

Recall that the Kaduna State Government had recently brokered  a peace pact in the violence-ravaged communities of Birnin-Gwari, Buruku, and Sabon Birni.

The bandits, who had terrorized the region for over a decade, have expressed remorse for their actions. And therefore, sought forgiveness from the State Government and affected communities.

According to PUNCH, the outlaws also appealed for support to reintegrate into society and for access to education for their children.

Speaking during the peace dialogue on Saturday, a Fulani elder representing notorious bandit leader, Jan Bross, urged all Fulani leaders nationwide to encourage their people to embrace peace.

He said, “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.”

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

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

In the same vein, another repentant bandit, Muhammadu Lawali, described the current peace pact as genuine. He noted that it is different from previous efforts.

According to him, for the first time in years, I can move freely and interact with people. This peace pact has brought hope.

A former bandit, Suleiman Yes Power, expressed joy at the reopening of the Birnin-Gwari cattle market. He noted that the market 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, PUNCH reported.

Recall that the Kaduna State Government, had in collaboration with federal agencies, set up the Peace Dialogue Group to engage stakeholders and sustain the peace process.

The initiative has already yielded results, including the reopening of the Birnin-Gwari cattle market and increased activity in the grains market, Punch reported.

According to PUNCH, over 50 trucks loaded with livestock left the cattle market in Birnin -Gwari for various parts of the country. A development that signaled a revival of economic activity in the communities.

PUNCH reported that farmers have also started preparing land for the next planting season. This include previously inaccessible parts of the forest in the community.

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

On his part, the Sarkin Zango of Birnin-Gwari, Hambali Muhammad, expressed satisfaction with the peace pact. He noted that 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 pact includes the establishment of a Peace and Reconciliation Committee. The Committee comprises of government officials, Fulani and Hausa community leaders, and other stakeholders in the area.

PUNCH reports that the Committee meets regularly to address potential conflicts and ensure adherence to the agreement.

Speaking on the outcome of the peace pact, the Coordinator of the peace process, Zubairu AbdulRauf, expressed satisfaction. He stated that the peace model could be replicated in other parts of the country facing challenges.

According to AdulRauf, this initiative has shown that dialogue and understanding can resolve even the most complex conflicts.”

 

source: Punch

 

 

 

 

 

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