Kaduna State governor, Senator Uba Sani, yesterday in Birnin-Gwari, received some repentant bandits and reopened the cattle market which had been closed for about 10 years due to insecurity.
According to the State government several senior bandit leaders and their followers have laid their arms and embraced peace.
Governor Sani said his government collaborated with some federal agencies to establish The Peace Dialogue Group, to engage with stakeholders. According to him, Through numerous meetings and extensive discussions, we have built bridges of trust. Several senior bandit leaders had laid their arms and embraced peace, along with their followers.
According to him, these individuals are being enrolled in a rehabilitation programme designed by the State government in partnership with the Federal Government.
This programme adheres to international standards of disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration, ensuring that these individuals can return to society as productive citizens, he added.
The Governor said the rehabilitation of the repentant bandits was based on the principle of carrot and stick, adding that “while we welcome those who choose peace, we will not hesitate to take decisive action against anyone who continues to perpetuate violence.
“The security, law enforcement and intelligence agencies have already achieved significant results, neutralising bandits kingpins, dismantling criminal networks and rescuing kidnapped victims, he further said.
According to Sani, his government is developing what he referred to as: the Kaduna Model, which is a comprehensive framework for sustainable peace and security. The Governor argued that although his government was making strides in revitalising the rural economy, the effort could not thrive without security.
