- The Arewa Forum for Good Governance praised Kaduna Governor Uba Sani for his innovative approach to ending banditry through dialogue and amnesty
- AFGG emphasized that the surrender of arms by bandit leaders signals hope for lasting peace and a chance for regional development
The Arewa Forum for Good Governance (AFGG) has praised Senator Uba Sani, the governor of Kaduna State, for his innovative steps toward ending banditry in northern Nigeria.
The commendation came after the governor received a group of repentant bandits and reopened a cattle market that had been closed for over a decade due to insecurity.
According to the forum, the surrender of arms by senior bandit leaders and their followers signals hope for lasting peace. AFGG believes this development shows that solving the banditry crisis is possible.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Dr. Kabiru Ibrahim Bichi, the forum lauded the governor’s approach, stating, “Choosing dialogue and granting amnesty to the bandits is not only commendable but also a creative strategy to restore peace.
This initiative addresses a challenge that has tarnished the North’s reputation and hindered its progress.”
The forum highlighted the significance of the governor’s actions, saying, “We have long advocated for amnesty as a way to stop the frequent attacks and killings. This effort now gives us a ray of hope.”
Dr. Bichi further emphasized that the disarmament program adheres to global standards and incorporates disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR).
The plan aims to help former bandits reintegrate into society as productive citizens. He added that the state, in partnership with the federal government, has designed a rehabilitation program for these individuals to ensure a complete ceasefire.
The statement also recalled a resolution made by Northern governors in 2019 to grant amnesty to bandits. However, the resolution was never implemented, allowing banditry to persist. AFGG expressed optimism that this new initiative by Governor Sani could achieve what past efforts could not.
The forum urged other bandits to accept the call for peace, abandon criminal activities, and help rebuild the region’s economy, which has been severely affected by insecurity.
AFGG also stressed the importance of good governance in effectively addressing the North’s security challenges.
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