Repentant bandits in Kaduna State have committed to follow a peace accord recently mediated by the state government, giving hope to the violence-ravaged communities of Birnin-Gwari, Buruku, and Sabon Birni.
The bandits, who had terrorized the region for more than a decade, apologized for their conduct and asked for forgiveness from the government and affected people.
They also requested assistance with their reintegration into society and educational opportunities for their children.
Speaking at a peace dialogue on Saturday, a Fulani elder representing notorious bandit leader Jan Bross urged all Fulani leaders across the country to encourage their people to accept peace.
“We are grateful for this peace pact and shall continue to pray for its sustainability. We guarantee Governor Uba Sani and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, that we will uphold the accord and work for peaceful coexistence,” the elder stated. Ibrahim Bokolo, a repentant bandit who fled to Niger State during the conflict, announced his return to Birnin-Gwari and urged local vigilante groups to be understanding.
“We appeal to vigilantes to support this peace initiative and discourage any actions that could jeopardise it,” Bokolo told journalists.
Similarly, another repentant bandit, Muhammadu Lawali, regarded the present peace agreement as genuine and distinct from prior efforts. “For the first time in years, I am free to roam about and connect with others. “This peace agreement has given us hope,” he added.
Suleiman Yes Power, a former bandit, celebrated the reopening of the Birnin-Gwari cattle market, which had been closed for 12 years. “I sold my cow today and pray this peace lasts so the town can thrive again,” he added, showing off the money.
The Kaduna State Government, in partnership with federal agencies, established the Peace Dialogue Group to engage stakeholders and maintain the peace process.
The program has already had effects, such as the reopening of the Birnin-Gwari livestock market and greater activity in the grain market.
Our correspondent spotted around 50 trucks filled with livestock leaving the cattle market for other areas of the country, indicating a resurgence of economic activity in the region.
Farmers have also begun preparing land for the upcoming planting season, including previously inaccessible areas of the forest. “We now see each other as brothers. “The Fulani and Hausa are working together again,” said Malam Mustapha, a farmer from Birnin-Gwari.
The Sarkin Zango of Birnin-Gwari, Hambali Muhammad, stated that the return of peace has provided relief to the community. “For more than a decade, this market was abandoned. Today, it is teeming with activity. We are grateful to Almighty Allah and the administration,” he stated.
The peace agreement calls for the formation of a Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which will comprise government officials, Fulani and Hausa community leaders, and other stakeholders.
The committee meets on a regular basis to resolve any problems and maintain adherence to the agreement. Zubairu AbdulRauf, the peace process coordinator, expressed optimism that the concept might be repeated elsewhere in the country.