By Ayo Kehinde
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has defended his administration’s decision to initiate peace talks with bandits terrorizing communities in the state, describing it as a necessary step to curb the persistent violence and save lives.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, Sani revealed that the move to engage the assailants in dialogue was prompted by pleas from residents of affected areas and traditional leaders, who sought an end to the unrelenting attacks in Chikun, Kagarko, Giwa, Kajuru, and Birnin Gwari local government areas.
He disclosed that the Emir of Birnin Gwari had personally led a delegation to his office, expressing the despair of his people and calling for urgent measures to stop the loss of lives, destruction of homes, and displacement of residents.
“Communities in Kaduna have been plagued by banditry for over a decade, resulting in tragic loss of lives and abductions. The Emir of Birnin Gwari and his subjects pleaded with me to find a solution to this crisis. I’d rather negotiate with bandits than bear the weight of a single life lost in Kaduna,” the governor said.
According to Sani, before initiating the peace deal, he consulted extensively with critical stakeholders, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to ensure the approach would align with broader security strategies.
The governor expressed optimism about the success of the negotiations, noting that 200 abducted persons from Giwa and Birnin Gwari local government areas had already been released as part of the ongoing talks.
He added that the initiative aims to restore peace, enable displaced farmers to return to their lands, and revitalize local businesses.
Addressing concerns about whether ransom payments were made to the bandits, Sani clarified that no money was exchanged.
“I want to assure you that not a single naira was paid to them. The dialogue was achieved through the collaboration and support of traditional and religious leaders, with negotiations spanning six months before we made it public,” he stated.
The governor emphasised that the peace talks were driven by a moral obligation to protect lives and bring relief to traumatized communities. “If I fail to act and another life is lost, I will be held accountable on the day of resurrection. I promised to protect my people, and I am determined to fulfill that promise,” Sani concluded.
