Why We Are Negotiating With Bandits – Uba Sani

• Governor Sani initiated peace negotiations with bandits after local communities, including the Emir of Birnin Gwari, pleaded for dialogue to end violence
• The peace deal has already resulted in the release of 200 abductees and aims to restore economic activities in terrorized local government areas

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has outlined reasons for initiating peace negotiations with bandits terrorizing parts of the state. The decision aims to restore peace in areas of violence, including Chikun, Kagarko, Giwa, Kajuru, and Birnin Gwari local government areas.

Bandits in these regions have caused widespread devastation, with numerous lives lost, properties destroyed, and communities displaced. The government launched peace talks with the perpetrators to address this, hoping to end the suffering and bring stability.

In an interview with the BBC Hausa service, Governor Sani revealed that local communities had pleaded for dialogue. He emphasized that residents, particularly those most affected by the violence, sought a solution through negotiation.

“The Emir of Birnin Gwari and his people approached us, urging dialogue. Their communities have endured banditry for over a decade with no permanent solution,” Sani explained.

Following these appeals, the governor consulted with key stakeholders, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, before proceeding with the peace initiative.

Sani highlighted the release of 200 abductees in Giwa and Birnin Gwari as a sign of progress, expressing hope that the peace deal would help residents resume farming and businesses.

The governor affirmed his commitment to protecting lives, stating, “I’d rather negotiate with bandits than lose a single resident. I am accountable for every life under my watch.”

He assured the public that no ransom was paid, adding that traditional and religious leaders played pivotal roles during the six-month negotiation process.

Addressing concerns about the agreement’s durability, Sani stressed that releasing abducted individuals and resuming economic activities signal the deal’s success. He expressed optimism that the ongoing peace would continue.

This approach contrasts sharply with Sani’s predecessor, Nasir El-Rufa’i, who firmly opposed negotiating with bandits.

El-Rufa’i maintained that such engagements should be left to private citizens and religious figures, emphasizing that the government’s role was to enforce security, not to mediate with criminals.