Governor Uba Sani Justifies Kaduna State’s Negotiations with Bandits to Prevent Further Loss of Lives
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has defended the state government’s decision to negotiate with bandits, stating that it is a more viable option than allowing continued loss of lives,leadership reports.
Speaking during an interview with the BBC Hausa service, monitored in Kaduna, the governor emphasized that only the families of the victims truly understand the need for such a difficult decision.
He revealed that the move to engage the bandits came after consultations with key stakeholders, including the Emir of Birnin Gwari and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. According to the Emir, his community has endured over a decade of violence, loss of lives, and abductions without a sustainable solution in sight.
Governor Sani further explained that the peace deal gained traction after bandits released 200 abducted individuals from Giwa and Birnin Gwari local government areas. He expressed optimism that the agreement would pave the way for peace, allowing farmers to return to their lands and businesses to recover.
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“I’d rather negotiate with bandits than be responsible for the loss of even a single life in Kaduna. I will be held accountable for my actions, having sworn an oath to protect my people,” Sani stated.
The northern socio-cultural group, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has endorsed the governor’s approach. ACF spokesman, Prof. T.A. Muhammad Baba, expressed full support for the peace initiative, describing it as a necessary step toward resolving banditry in the region.
Similarly, the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) President, Yerima Shettima, lauded the governor’s leadership and results-oriented approach. Shettima emphasized that if negotiations produce peace without compromising the integrity of the government, they are worth pursuing.
Fresh Attacks in Benue Leave 7 Farmers Dead
In a separate incident, suspected armed bandits killed seven farmers in the Mbaikyor Council Ward of Kwande Local Government Area, Benue State. The victims, who had returned to harvest crops abandoned during a previous attack, were ambushed and killed.
The Mbaikyor youth leader, Igbawua Gandepuun, disclosed that these farmers had hoped to resume normalcy following assurances of safety after a Security Council visit. However, ongoing attacks by herders have continued to displace residents, burn farms, and destroy homes, leaving many homeless and unable to harvest their crops.
Gandepuun revealed that over 200 houses have been razed, and crops worth over ₦20 million have been destroyed. He urged the government to deploy more security personnel to critical points such as Ubuntu Junction and Ityuluv Mountain to protect the communities and facilitate their return.
“The absence of security in these areas means attackers disappear into the surrounding bushes before help can arrive,” Gandepuun lamented.
Efforts to contact the Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, and Kwande Local Government Chairman, Vitalis Neji, were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
