Birnin Gwari: Is Gov Uba Sani winning the fight against banditry?

By Femi Oyelola

Kaduna State, like any other state in the country, is faced with a rise in banditry, kidnappings for ransom and crime, deadly farmer-herder clashes, and other security challenges.
These challenges are, no doubt, affecting the economic growth of the state, shrinking the economic growth of the many local government areas of the state and constituting social problems affecting virtually every resident and indigenes of Kaduna State in one way or another.
According to a security expert, Dr. Yahuza Getso, Insecurity is simply the absence of security. Security is considered a dynamic situation that includes the capacity of the State/Country to ward off any threats to its deep-rooted values and interests. Security of lives and properties according to him is the fundamental reason for the existence of a government in the first place as enshrined in Section 14(2) (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
To achieve the above, the Kaduna State Government has is using kinetic approaches to tackle the disrurbing menace of banditry, and this appears to be yielding significant results.
However, the use of non-kinetic methods alongside military efforts has been variously admonished by experts.
The Chief of Defence Staff General (CDS)Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa, in a lecture” Assessing the present Security Situation in Northern Nigeria,” delivered at the Institute for Development Research and Training, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaira, recently disclosed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, as part of its non-kinetic operations, is carrying out a couple of activities to address the security situation in the north.
These activities, he said, aimed at winning the hearts and minds of the populace, thereby denying the miscreants any room for recruitment. The non-kinetic activities include the de-radicalization, demobilization, disarmament, and reintegration program at Operation SAFE CORRIDOR and improving Civil-Military Cooperation.
The Kaduna State Government, under the leadership of Senator Uba Sani, quickly keyed in the non-kinetic approach by setting up the Peace Dialogue Group in collaboration with some Federal Government agencies, which has been engaging stakeholders tirelessly to build bridges of trust.

The Group immediately swung into action and their efforts became visible when the governor received the first set of repentant bandits in Birnin-Gwari and reopened the cattle market, which had been closed for about 10 years due to insecurity in the area.
Governor Sani disclosed that the development is a breakthrough in the state government’s efforts to address the security challenges that have plagued the state for years.
According to him, the Kaduna State Government has been working tirelessly to engage stakeholders and build trust among the various communities in the state.
Mr Sani said, ‘’Through numerous meetings and extensive discussions, we have built bridges of trust. Several senior bandit leaders had laid down their arms and embraced peace, along with their followers.”’
According to him, these individuals are being enrolled in a rehabilitation program designed by the state government in partnership with the federal government.
‘’This program adheres to international standards of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration, ensuring that these individuals can return to society as productive citizens,’’ he added.
The governor said the rehabilitation of the repentant bandits was based on the principle of ‘carrot and stick’, adding, ”’ 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, neutralizing 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, demobilization, 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.
Mr Sani said his administration has made remarkable progress, adding, ‘’through strategic communication and inclusive governance, we have earned the trust and confidence of our people.’’
‘’Insecurity is significantly reducing and ethno-religious tensions and farmer-herder clashes are rapidly becoming issues of the past.
”Communities from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds are now united in their support for our peacebuilding initiatives, fostering greater harmony and mutual understanding.’’.
The governor argued that although his government was making strides in revitalizing the rural economy, the effort could not thrive without security.
‘’We have reopened rural markets, strengthened the regulation of vigilance groups, and proscribed the activities of the Yan Sa Kai.
”These measures are aimed at fostering trust and creating an environment where peace can flourish,’’ he said.
Mr. Sani said that his administration operates an open-door policy and encourages dialogue as the foundation of lasting peace.
He added,” My message to anyone considering taking up arms is simple: talk to us instead. Let us resolve disputes through dialogue, not violence.
‘’To the bandits who have yet to embrace peace, I urge you to reconsider. Enough is enough. The days of kidnapping, cattle rustling, force levies, and other criminal activities are over.
”Those who genuinely seek to change will find a government ready to support them, protect them, and help them rebuild their lives.’’
The Nonkinetic approaches also yielded results as the famous Kidçandan Market shut down due to insecurity but was reopened recently by Governor Sani.
The Kidçandan Market, located in the Kidandan District of Giwa LGA of State, is a historical market but deserted because of the insecurity bedeviling the area.
The governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mallam Sani Liman Kila, stressed that the reopening of the important market marks the beginning of the return of peace and stability to Giwa Local Government.
He explained that Peace is an invaluable asset and it is the key to progress and development.
Conflict, according to him, destroys, while peace builds. Saying he is happy that after the milestone we recorded in Birnin Gwari, Giwa has followed suit. Indeed peace is the only way.
The Peace Dialogue Group, according to him, is working around the clock to ensure that agreements are respected and that this new understanding is sustained for the benefit of the people.
Governor Sain disclosed that the security agencies are on the same page with them and all those who have agreed to lay down their arms will be protected and rehabilitated.
The Chairman of the Peace and Reconciliation Committee Sheikh Yusuf Musa Asadussunah, while speaking on the reopening of the Kidandan Market said through numerous meetings and extensive discussions, they have built bridges of trust.
He disclosed that several senior bandit leaders had laid their arms and embraced peace, along with their followers, and the result is what the people are witnessing in Giwa as a Market, which became a no-go Area because insecurity is now safe for business to commence.
Sheikh Yusuf Musa Asadussunah, however, urged the government to ensure that those still in detention but are innocent should be set free by the security agencies.
Similarly, Alhaji Labi called on the State Governor to continue with the dialogue process and assured they on their sides are working that those still in the kidnapper’s dens are released.
Responding to this Governor Sani disclosed that his administration will follow the terms of the peace agreement to the later to ensure stability.
A Resident Haruna Ibrahim While speaking to Weekend Peoples Daily said the kinetic approaches by the agencies and the non-kinetic approaches introduced by the State Governor and some agencies are solely responsible for the prevailing peace in Giwa LGA
However, another resident, Mustapha Mohammed, sees the development as an Uhuru because of the incident that happened in neighboring Katsina State, where repented bandits returned to the forest to continue ravaging the state.
But in a reaction, Dr.Getso said the management of the Peace accord is very important to its sustainability “because on one hand you are dealing with people who want justice and on the other hand you have people who have repented from their old way and agreed to turn a new leaf
“This situation needs good expertise and experience to succeed, and I think Governor Uba Sani is doing his best because I have been following the non-kinetic approaches, and I am pleased with why in Birnin Gwari and Giwa LGA.” He concluded
Commenting on the peaceful atmosphere that now prevails in Giwa LGA, the State Commissioner for Security and Internal Affairs, Dr. James Atung Kanyip, said the State will continue to work to sustain the peace but called for the support of the people.