Repentant bandits in Birnin Gwari Emirate, Buruku and Sabon Birni community have appealed to the state government to allow their children to attend public schools.
This was even as they apologized for the atrocities they allegedly committed.
They also assured Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, that they would be law-abiding citizens.
“We have been living in the forests, away from urban life for more than 10 to 15 years, and so we would be happy if the government gave us a sense of belonging and allowed our children to attend school.
In an interview with journalists, a Fulani elder representing bandit kingpin Jan Bross said it was time for all Fulani leaders across the federation to speak to their subjects and convince them to fully embrace the peace process, calling on bandits from other states to follow the example of Kaduna and lay down their arms.”
“We are grateful for this peace pact and will continue to pray for its sustainability. Thank you government,” he said.
The Chairman of Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area, Hon. Salisu Isa, could not hide his excitement when the local government headquarters was once again abuzz with activities, after a long time of uncertainty due to attacks by bandits and others criminal elements.
He had said that during the crisis the Local Council moved to Kaduna, “as bandits had vandalized critical assets and infrastructure in Birnin-Gwari.
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“All the banks were leveled, the post office destroyed, the schools destroyed. Only the army and other security forces could remain to prevent criminals from completely annexing the historic city that has carved a niche for itself as a major gateway to the southwestern part of Nigeria.
According to the head of the local council, the peace pact was achieved thanks to persistent prayers to Almighty Allah.
“I express my gratitude to my boss, our governor, Senator Uba Sani and National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, for this initiative, the Emir, the LG staff, the Mallams and everyone else,” he said.
He said to sustain and maintain the peace agreement, the council inaugurated a Peace and Reconciliation Committee that meets regularly and is composed of key stakeholders from the government, Hausa and Fulani communities, and others.
“Other places should emulate Birnin-Gwari and reach a peace pact,” he advised.