By Abigail Philip David
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has defended his administration’s decision to negotiate with bandits, emphasizing that the approach prioritizes saving lives over continuing violent conflict. He explained that only the families of the victims can truly understand the gravity of this choice.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, monitored in Kaduna, Governor Sani addressed why his government opted for peace talks with the bandits terrorizing the state. Bandits have been wreaking havoc, particularly in areas like Chikun, Kagarko, Giwa, Kajuru, and Birnin Gwari, as well as targeting travelers on major highways, leading to numerous deaths and property destruction.
Governor Sani explained that local leaders, including the Emir of Birnin Gwari, urged for dialogue due to the persistent violence in their communities. The Emir cited the decade-long suffering from banditry, which has resulted in many deaths and abductions, with no end in sight. Following these pleas, Sani met with key stakeholders, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, before pursuing the peace talks.
The governor pointed out that the decision followed the release of over 200 people who had been kidnapped by the bandits in Giwa and Birnin Gwari. Sani expressed hope that the peace agreement would help restore stability, allowing farmers to return to their fields and businesses to recover. He emphasized, “I’d rather negotiate with bandits than bear the weight of a single life lost in Kaduna.”
**Support for the Governor’s Approach**
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has thrown its full support behind Governor Sani’s peace negotiations. ACF spokesman, Prof T.A Muhammad Baba, praised the governor’s non-violent approach to ending banditry, calling it a necessary step to restore peace to the Northern region.
Similarly, Yerima Shettima, president of the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF), backed the governor’s decision, stressing that as long as the negotiations yield positive results, it was a reasonable strategy. He emphasized that the governor has demonstrated strong leadership and unity across the state’s diverse communities. Shettima also pointed out that those criticizing the peace talks might not fully understand the realities of the violence on the ground.
Seven Farmers Killed in Benue Amid Ongoing Attacks
In a separate incident, suspected armed bandits killed seven farmers in the Mbaikyor Council ward of Turan, Kwande Local Government Area, Benue State, who had returned to harvest crops they abandoned during the 2024 Christmas attack. The bandits had previously attacked the area, killing over 20 people and injuring many others.
Mbaikyor youth leader Igbawua Gandepuun reported that the farmers were killed despite the increased government presence following the Christmas attack. He lamented that the herders occupying local homes were feeding their cattle with harvested crops and setting fire to homes and farms.
The bandits’ actions have caused widespread destruction, with over N20 million worth of crops destroyed and more than 200 homes razed. Gandepuun urged for increased security deployment to key entry points in the region to prevent further attacks and allow residents to safely return to their farms.
He added that many community members, especially vulnerable groups, are fleeing in fear of additional violence. Despite assurances from the security forces, the distance between the military and the areas under attack remains a significant challenge. Gandepuun called on the government to reassess the situation and increase security presence in the affected areas.
Efforts to reach Kwande LGA Chairman Vitalis Neji for comment were unsuccessful, as his phone was switched off. The Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, also confirmed she had not yet received a report on the recent killings.
