Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has publicly defended his administration’s decision to negotiate with bandits terrorizing the state. In a candid interview with BBC Hausa, the governor outlined the dire situation and explained his controversial peace deal aimed at restoring calm to a region plagued by years of violent criminal activity.
Kaduna State has become a focal point for widespread banditry, with armed gangs wreaking havoc in communities such as Chikun, Kagarko, Giwa, Kajuru, and Birnin Gwari. The ongoing attacks have led to the loss of countless lives, widespread destruction of homes, farmlands, and businesses, and a general sense of insecurity that has left the state’s residents living in constant fear. The relentless violence has also caused displacement, with many residents fleeing their homes in search of safety.
Faced with this escalating crisis, Governor Sani’s government has opted to take a radically different approach to dealing with the bandits: negotiation. The decision to initiate peace talks, which started in earnest in late 2024, has been met with mixed reactions, both in Kaduna and beyond.
The People’s Call for Dialogue
Governor Uba Sani explained that the catalyst for seeking peace talks came from the communities themselves, many of whom had suffered under the weight of banditry for over a decade. It was local leaders, including the Emir of Birnin Gwari, who were the first to make a public plea for dialogue.
“The people most affected by this violence, the ones losing their loved ones and livelihoods, called for the peace talks,” Sani said. “For instance, the Emir of Birnin Gwari, along with his subjects, approached me to request dialogue. Their communities have been at the mercy of these bandits for years, and they’ve seen no end in sight.”
When asked about the Emir’s plea, Sani shared that the monarch expressed deep frustration over the years of suffering. “The Emir said that banditry had plagued his people for over a decade. Lives had been lost, families torn apart, and communities left in despair, with no lasting solution on the horizon.”
Following these calls for peace, the governor convened a series of high-level meetings, engaging stakeholders like the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and traditional rulers. After a period of consultations, including six months of confidential negotiations, the state government decided to pursue a peace deal with the bandits, a move that would eventually be announced to the public.
A Risky but Necessary Step
Governor Sani’s decision to engage the bandits directly marks a significant departure from the approach of his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufa’I, who steadfastly rejected negotiations. El-Rufa’I had famously declared that negotiating with bandits was out of the question, instead suggesting that private citizens, such as religious leaders, could engage in peaceful dialogues to call for repentance from the criminals.
However, Sani argues that, given the severity of the situation, traditional security measures and punitive actions had failed to bring an end to the crisis. “When lives are being lost daily, you must weigh your options,” he remarked. “I would rather sit down and negotiate with the bandits than live with the consequences of losing one more person in Kaduna. If I fail to do this, I will be held accountable not just to my people, but to God.”
The governor’s decision to negotiate with criminals was not taken lightly, and he emphatically denied that any ransom or financial incentives were offered to the bandits in exchange for peace talks. “Not a single naira was paid to the bandits,” Sani clarified. “This is not about appeasing criminals with money. It’s about securing peace for the people of Kaduna.”
The Peace Deal: Steps Toward Reconciliation
While the details of the negotiations remain largely under wraps, Sani revealed that one of the key outcomes of the peace talks had been the release of 200 abducted individuals from the Giwa and Birnin Gwari local government areas. This release has been hailed as a promising sign that the peace deal is making progress.
“The release of our people is an indication that this deal has teeth,” Sani said with cautious optimism. “Our farmers are returning to their fields, businesses are starting to pick up again, and life is slowly but surely returning to normal. However, we understand that peace is fragile, and we must remain vigilant.”
The governor also underscored the involvement of traditional and religious leaders in facilitating the peace talks, lending an air of legitimacy and local support to the initiative. These leaders, who have long been at the forefront of efforts to mitigate the effects of banditry, were key in building the trust necessary to initiate dialogue.
“We have worked hand in hand with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community heads,” Sani explained. “This is not just a political deal; it’s a community-driven effort to restore peace and stability.”
Sustainability of the Peace Process
Despite the initial successes, many remain skeptical about the sustainability of the peace process. Banditry has been a long-standing issue in the region, and some fear that negotiations could set a dangerous precedent, encouraging other criminal groups to engage in similar tactics to force the government into concessions.
Sani is aware of these concerns but remains resolute in his belief that peace talks are the best option available. “We cannot afford to let fear dictate our actions,” he said. “The release of our people shows that we are making progress. This peace process is not just about today or tomorrow, but about securing a future where our children can grow up in safety.”
He also addressed concerns about potential betrayal or reversals in the peace process. “There is always a risk of betrayal, but the actions of the bandits so far have shown that they are committed to seeing this through. They released our people, and that act alone gives us hope.”
