By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government has introduced a new peace initiative that provides bandits access to education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities instead of cash payments or military confrontation, as part of efforts to end years of insecurity in the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, disclosed this on Wednesday in Kaduna during a one-day workshop on Peace Journalism, organized by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in collaboration with the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria and the Ministry of Information.
Maiyaki explained that the initiative, known as the Kaduna Peace Model, marks a strategic shift from confrontation to dialogue and inclusiveness. He said the approach has already led to the reopening of schools, markets, and healthcare centers that were previously shut down due to insecurity, following requests from community leaders and local groups.
According to him, the peace-driven engagement has yielded significant results, including the recovery of more than 500,000 hectares of farmland and the revival of agricultural and commercial activities in Giwa, Birnin Gwari, and Kauru Local Government Areas.
“Today, markets have reopened and between 20 to 30 cattle trucks now operate weekly on roads that were once unsafe for travelers,” Maiyaki stated.
He added that the Kaduna Peace Model is anchored on inclusiveness, justice, and shared responsibility. It brings together traditional and religious leaders, women and youth groups, civil society organizations, security agencies, and development partners to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
“The model has successfully facilitated the safe release of over 500 captives through dialogue and negotiation — without paying ransom or using force,” the commissioner revealed.
Maiyaki also cited the cases of former bandit leaders, such as Jan Bros and Yellow One Million, who have now embraced peace and serve as mediators in their communities.
“The model is succeeding because it is owned by the people, not imposed by government. Communities are creating peace collaboratively, and that makes it sustainable,” he said.
He acknowledged that the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria and the Nigeria Union of Journalists have commended the initiative for its innovative and human-centered approach to peacebuilding.
Also speaking, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, Country Director of Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, called on journalists to emphasize solution-oriented stories that promote reconciliation and national healing.
Similarly, Mrs. Fatima Omone Shuaibu, Head of the Department of Strategic Communication and Media Studies at Kaduna Polytechnic, urged the media to highlight narratives that foster unity and coexistence rather than division.
Maiyaki reaffirmed the administration’s commitment under Governor Uba Sani to sustaining the Kaduna Peace Model through justice, inclusivity, and community participation.
“Peace becomes sustainable when people have a vested interest in it. The Uba Sani administration is focused on building peace through trust and shared ownership,” he emphasized.
