The Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has confirmed that his administration is negotiating with bandits to ensure peace in the state.
Governor Sani disclosed that the peace deal is based on appeals by the people of the state, especially those most affected by the activities of the insurgents.
He added, however, that the peace deal does not come with any option of paying money to the bandits, noting that the negotiations are targeted at restoring peace and safeguarding the lives of people.
OsunDailyNG reports Governor Sani made the disclosure during a recent interview with the BBC Hausa service.
“It is the people affected by the violence that called for the dialogue. For example, the Emir of Birnin Gwari has come with his subjects calling for dialogue.
“When I asked his reason, he said our communities have been plagued by the scourge of banditry, resulting in tragic loss of lives and abduction of our people, for over a decade now, with no lasting solution in sight,” he said.
Sani disclosed that before commencing the peace deal negotiations, relevant stakeholders, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, were consulted.
He also added that the bandits demonstrated good faith by releasing 200 persons abducted in Giwa and Birnin Gwari local government areas of the state.
The Governor maintained that he would rather negotiate with the bandits than lose any life in Kaduna State because he knows he would answer for such loss before God.
“I’d rather negotiate with bandits than to bear the weight of a single life lost in Kaduna. If not, I will be held accountable on the day of resurrection, having promised and sworn an oath,” he said.
He disclosed that the deal was done with support and collaboration from traditional and religious leaders, with negotiations spanning for six months before the official announcement to the public.
Governor Sani also insisted that there has been no exchange of money in the peace negotiations with the bandits.
“I want to assure you that not a single naira was paid to them,” he assured.
The Governor expressed optimism that the peace through negotiations which has allowed farmers to return to their farms would be sustained.
“They have released our people and now farming and business activities have resumed. We will continue to pray, and I am assuring that the relative peace we are enjoying now will be sustained,” he added.
The action of Governor Sani represents a total departure from the stance adopted by his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai, who insited that he won’t negotiate with the bandits and other criminals troubling the state.
