Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State on Thursday in Birnin Gwari received the first set of repentant bandits and opened the cattle market which had been closed for about 10 years due to insecurity.
The governor also said that his administration would be fair and just to all the citizens of the state, “be they farmers, herders and traders, in order to achieve lasting peace and development”.
He disclosed that the state government, in collaboration with some federal agencies, had established ‘The Peace Dialogue Group’, which has been tirelessly engaging all the stakeholders.
Mr Sani said: “Through numerous meetings and extensive discussions, we have built bridges of trust. Several senior bandit leaders had laid their arms and embraced peace, along with their followers.”
According to him, these individuals are being enrolled in a rehabilitation programme designed by the state government in partnership with the Federal Government.
“This programme adheres to international standards of disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration, ensuring that these individuals can return to society as productive citizens,” he added.
The governor warned that the rehabilitation of the repent bandits was based on the principle of ‘carrot and stick’, saying that “while we welcome those who choose peace, we will not hesitate to take decisive action against anyone who continues to perpetuate violence”.
“The security, law enforcement and intelligence agencies have already achieved significant results, neutralising bandits’ kingpins, dismantling criminal networks and rescuing kidnapped victims,” he further said.
According to Mr Sani, his government is developing what he referred to as the ‘Kaduna Model’, which is a comprehensive framework for sustainable peace and security.
“This model will include disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration, alongside investments in rural development and conflict resolution.
”It is a holistic approach that addresses both the symptoms and the root causes of insecurity,” he added.
