Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has announced that the state government will initiate the documentation of repentant bandits starting Saturday. This declaration was made during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today.
On Thursday, Sani welcomed the first group of repentant bandits, highlighting that many of them hail from the local community in Birnin Gwari. This connection to the area is significant in understanding the dynamics of the situation.
During the interview, Sani shared insights from discussions with some of the bandits. He noted that several claimed many of their peers had been killed by security forces during past negotiations. This revelation underscores the complexities surrounding the issue.
Importantly, Sani clarified that no financial incentives were offered to the repentant bandits. “There is no monetary aspect involved. Most of them are simply weary,” he stated, emphasizing the non-financial nature of the engagement.
He further stressed the need to avoid politicizing the situation. “The sooner we stop politicizing this issue, the better,” he remarked, pointing out the importance of focusing on community engagement rather than political maneuvering.
Sani also mentioned the involvement of the Birnin Gwari community, led by long-time residents who have a deep understanding of local issues. They informed him that the bandits in question were born and raised in Birnin Gwari.
“This is the Kaduna model, which is unique compared to others,” Sani asserted. He indicated that starting tomorrow, the registration process for these repentant individuals will begin, marking a significant step forward.
The governor noted that reaching this stage has taken nearly six months of discussions and planning. Birnin Gwari is recognized as one of the most critical local governments facing challenges related to banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency in the North-West region.
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Sani highlighted the collaborative efforts with federal security agencies and the National Security Adviser’s office, emphasizing that this initiative is a collective endeavor aimed at addressing the security challenges.
Finally, he expressed the Kaduna State Government’s commitment to engage stakeholders and build trust among diverse communities within the state. This approach aims to foster a more secure and cooperative environment for all residents.
