Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has justified his administration’s decision to negotiate with bandits as a necessary step to preserve human lives.

Speaking in an interview with the BBC Hausa service on Monday, Sani emphasized that while the decision may be controversial, it was better than allowing further loss of lives.

He noted that only the victims’ families can truly understand and appreciate the rationale behind the peace deal.

The governor’s administration resorted to dialogue amid persistent attacks by bandits on communities, particularly in Chikun, Kagarko, Giwa, Kajuru, and Birnin Gwari local government areas. These criminal elements have also targeted travelers along major highways, causing widespread loss of lives and destruction of property.

Sani assured residents that the government is committed to restoring peace and stability in the state while pursuing other security measures alongside the negotiations.

Governor Sani said, “The people affected by the violence 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 the tragic loss of lives and abduction of our people, for over a decade now, with no lasting solution in sight’.”

The governor added that following the pleas, he met with critical stakeholders, including the national security adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, before finally deciding to initiate the peace deal.

Further explaining that the decision came after the bandits released 200 persons abducted in Giwa and Birnin Gwari local government areas of the state, the Kaduna governor expressed optimism that the deal would restore peace to the state and enable farmers to return to their farms and businesses to bounce back.

“I’d rather negotiate with bandits than 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.

Meanwhile, the northern apex socio-cultural organisation, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has declared its total support for Governor Uba Sani’s peace deal with bandits terrorising Kaduna State and environs.

In a telephone interview with LEADERSHIP in Kaduna, ACF spokesman, Prof T.A Muhammad Baba, said the forum welcomed Governor Sani’s approach towards ending banditry.

“ACF is ready to support any initiative to bring total peace to the Northern region. Therefore, we are in total support of Governor Uba Sani’s peace initiative or deal. We welcome and support the governor’s efforts in adopting a non-kinetic approach to end banditry in Kaduna State,” he said.

The president general of the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF), Yerima Shettima, has backed Governor Sani’s choice to negotiate with bandits as long as it yields the desired results.

Reacting to the governor’s owning up that he was negotiating with bandits, the youth leader said the governor was convinced that the negotiations would yield positive results following the release of over 200 victims by the bandits.

“Then, if the bandits can do that, it means there is some level of sincerity on their part. So, in my opinion, if the negotiation will yield positive results, I think it is not a bad idea without compromising government integrity and standards. It is often good to use kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to address security concern.

“What is essential is the result. The governor has demonstrated leadership qualities since he assumed office. He has united the good people of Kaduna State on all sides, whether religious, tribal, or ethnic, and today Kaduna is peaceful. We will support him all through.”

According to him, those that may not be happy with the governor’s move might be those supportive or unconcerned about the mindless attacks on innocent people.

“The governor is thinking about the ordinary people and how he can better their lives and this step is one of such ways, and we will support him hundred per cent” he added.

Axact

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