- Governor Sani credited the success to the Peace Dialogue Group, established in collaboration with federal agencies
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani on Thursday welcomed the first group of repentant bandits in Birnin-Gwari and reopened the cattle market, which had been closed for a decade due to insecurity.
The move marks a significant step in the state’s efforts to tackle long-standing security challenges.
Governor Sani credited the success to the Peace Dialogue Group, established in collaboration with federal agencies, which has been engaging stakeholders to build trust and foster reconciliation.
The governor revealed that senior bandit leaders and their followers had laid down arms and were enrolled in a rehabilitation programme adhering to international disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration standards.
He emphasised a “carrot and stick” approach, welcoming those who embraced peace while vowing decisive action against continued violence.
Governor Sani also unveiled the “Kaduna Model,” a holistic framework for sustainable peace and security. The plan combines disarmament, rural development, and conflict resolution to address both the symptoms and root causes of insecurity.
Urging dialogue over violence, the governor declared, “Enough is enough. The days of kidnapping, cattle rustling, and criminal activities are over.”