Insecurity: Kaduna gov reopens Kidandan market after five-year closure

The Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has reopened the Kidandan Market in the Kidandan District of Giwa Local Government Area (LGA) after an improvement in the security situation in the area.

The Guardian reports that the market was shut indefinitely in 2019 following security challenges caused by attacks on traders. The market had been shut down for the past five years.

Speaking during the reopening ceremony, Governor Sani said the reopening of the market marked the beginning of the return of peace and stability to Giwa Local Government and its inhabitants.

According to him, peace is an invaluable asset and is the key to progress and development in any society.

Saying that conflict destroys and impedes progress, Sani added, “I am happy that after the milestone we recorded in Birnin Gwari, Giwa has followed suit. Indeed, peace is the only way.”

The governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mallam Sani Liman Kila, stressed that his administration is committed to the peace initiative and shall honour its commitments.

The Peace Dialogue Group, he noted, is working around the clock to ensure that agreements are respected and that this new understanding is sustained for the benefit of the people.

Governor Sani, however, disclosed that the security agencies are working together with the inhabitants of the community, and all those who have agreed to lay down their arms will be protected and rehabilitated.

The reopening of Kidandan Market, the governor said, will revitalise the economy of the area and create huge opportunities for the people of Giwa Local Government Area.

“I implore you to fully re-embrace one another. We are one people. We may have differences, but there are peaceful ways of resolving issues.

“Let us collectively say NO to violence and conflicts. Let us join hands to create a prosperous future for Giwa Local Government,” he stressed.

Commenting on the peaceful atmosphere that now prevails in Giwa communities, the State Commissioner for Security and Internal Affairs, Dr James Atung Kanyip, said the state will continue to work to sustain the peace but called for the support of the people.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, Sheikh Yusuf Musa Asadussunah, said through numerous meetings and extensive discussions, they have built bridges of trust. Several senior bandit leaders had laid down their arms and embraced peace, along with their followers.

He, however, urged the government to ensure that those still in detention but are innocent should be set free by the security agencies.

Similarly, a community leader, Alhaji Labi, called on the state governor to continue with the dialogue process and assured that, on their side, the people are working on the proposition for those still in the kidnappers’ dens to be released.

In his welcome remarks, the Chairman of Giwa Council Area, Sani Yakawada, thanked the state governor, security agencies, and religious and traditional rulers for the restoration of peace in Giwa communities.