GOVERNOR Uba Sani of Kaduna State said the move to dialogue with terrorists was suggested by the people of the state, who pleaded for an end to the violence as wanton destruction of lives and property continued unabated and he had no option but to heed.
Speaking on BBC Hausa service, Sani defended his decision to reach a compromise with the bandits because his administration was determined to stop bandits from unleashing terror in some parts of the state.
He added that the Emir of Birnin Gwari visited his office with his subjects pleading for dialogue due to the loss of many lives and the destruction of homes, farmlands, and other property.
Sani stressed that he was left with no other option than to meet with critical stakeholders including the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu before finally deciding to initiate the peace deal.
Sani maintained that he’d rather negotiate with bandits than lose a single resident of the state.
“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,” he said.
“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 also stressed that the decision came after the bandits released 200 persons abducted in Giwa and Birnin Gwari local government areas of the state, expressing optimism that the deal would restore peace in the state and enable farmers to return to their farms and businesses to bounce back.
Kaduna has come under a series of attacks by bandits who reign terror in some communities, especially in Chikun, Kagarko, Giwa, Kajuru, and Birnin Gwari local government areas of the state, in addition to their attacks on other major highways.
Asked if the state government had paid money to the bandits to facilitate the peace talk, the governor said, “I want to assure you that not a single naira was paid to them.”
He disclosed that the deal was done with support and collaboration from traditional and religious leaders, with negotiations spanning for six months before an official announcement to the public.
