Repentant bandits in Kaduna State have committed to upholding a newly brokered peace agreement, offering a glimmer of hope to the violence-plagued communities of Birnin-Gwari, Buruku, and Sabon Birni.
For over a decade, these areas had been terrorized by banditry, but the recent peace pact has led to expressions of remorse from the bandits, who have asked for forgiveness from both the government and affected locals. They also appealed for support to reintegrate into society and for their children’s access to education.
During a peace dialogue held on Saturday, a Fulani elder representing the notorious bandit leader, Jan Bross, called on Fulani leaders across the country to encourage their followers to embrace peace. “We are grateful for this peace agreement and will continue to pray for its success. We assure Governor Uba Sani and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu that we will honor this pact and work toward peaceful coexistence,” he stated.
Ibrahim Bokolo, a repentant bandit who had fled to Niger State during the conflict, recently returned to Birnin-Gwari. He urged local vigilante groups to support the peace initiative and refrain from actions that could threaten its success. “We ask vigilantes to back this peace effort and prevent any moves that could endanger it,” he said.
Similarly, Muhammadu Lawali, another former bandit, emphasized that this peace agreement was different from past attempts. “For the first time in years, I can move freely and interact with others. This peace brings hope,” he said.
Suleiman Yes Power, a former bandit, celebrated the reopening of the Birnin-Gwari cattle market, which had been closed for 12 years due to the conflict. “I sold my cow today and pray this peace lasts so the town can thrive again,” he said, proudly showing the proceeds from his sale.
The Kaduna State Government, in partnership with federal agencies, has established a Peace Dialogue Group to engage various stakeholders and ensure the peace process’s sustainability. Early results are promising, including the reopening of the Birnin-Gwari cattle market and a surge in activity at the region’s grains market.
Over 50 trucks loaded with livestock have already departed from the cattle market to various parts of the country, signaling a revival of the local economy. Farmers are also beginning to prepare land for the upcoming planting season, even in previously inaccessible areas of the forest.
Malam Mustapha, a farmer from Birnin-Gwari, expressed optimism about the renewed cooperation between the Fulani and Hausa communities. “We now see one another as brothers again. The Fulani and Hausa are working together,” he said.
The Sarkin Zango of Birnin-Gwari, Hambali Muhammad, welcomed the return of peace, noting the bustling activity in the once-deserted cattle market. “For over a decade, this market was abandoned. Today, it is thriving. We are thankful to Allah and the government,” he said.
The peace pact includes the formation of a Peace and Reconciliation Committee, composed of government officials, community leaders from both the Fulani and Hausa groups, and other stakeholders. The committee convenes regularly to manage potential conflicts and ensure adherence to the agreement.
Zubairu AbdulRauf, the coordinator of the peace process, expressed hope that this initiative could be replicated in other conflict-prone areas of the country. “This initiative demonstrates that dialogue and understanding can resolve even the most complex conflicts,” he said.
