From:Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
Days after the authorities in Kaduna State in collaboration with the office of National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu entered a peace pact with bandits in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, many repentant bandits in Birnin Gwari Emirate, Buruku, and at Sabon Birni community have sought forgiveness for the atrocities allegedly committed and assured Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State and the NSA that they would be law-abiding citizens in the future.
They, however, said they had lived solitary lives in the forests, divorced from normal life for over a decade, and would therefore be happy if the government gave them a sense of belonging and allow their children to attend schools.
A Fulani elder who claimed to be a representative of bandit kingpin Jan Bross and a Fulani community leader, Ardo, said it was time for all Fulani leaders across the federation to talk to their subjects and convince them to fully embrace the peace process.
Speaking to the media in Birnin Gwari, he said, “They should follow the Kaduna example and lay down arms.
“We are grateful for this peace pact and shall continue to pray for its sustainability. Thank you government,” he said.
The Chairman of Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area, Hon.Salisu Isa, could not hide his excitement as the Local Government headquarters was bustling with activities again after a very long time of uncertainty due to attacks by bandits and other criminal elements.
During the crisis period, even the Local Council was moved to Kaduna, as bandits had vandalized critical assets and infrastructures in Birnin-Gwari. All banks were razed, the post office destroyed, and schools vandalized. Only the military and other security forces could remain to stop the criminals from completely annexing the historic town that has carved a niche as a major gateway to the Southwestern part of Nigeria.
According to the Local Council boss, the peace pact was reached due to persistent prayers to Almighty Allah.
“I express my gratitude to my boss, our Governor, Senator Uba Sani, and the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, for this initiative, the Emir, LG staff, the Mallam,s, and all others, ” he said.
He said to sustain and maintain the peace accord, the council inaugurated a Peace and Reconciliation Committee that meets regularly, which comprised key stakeholders from the government, the Hausa and Fulani communities, and others.
Hon.Isa called on interested investors in agriculture, to use the opportunity and key into the agric sector, as Birnin-Gwari had the potential of feeding the entire North with maize and other crops.
“Other places should emulate Birnin-Gwari and come up with the peace pact, ” he advised.
He said the public should continue to pray for Birnin-Gwari to restore its past glory and take the path for continued growth and development.
