Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani on Thursday reopened the Birnin Gwari cattle market, which had been closed for over a decade due to insecurity.

Sani also received some repentant bandits, stating that his administration would be fair and just to everyone to achieve lasting peace and development in Kaduna State.

The governor disclosed that the Kaduna State Government, in collaboration with some federal agencies, established the Peace Dialogue Group, which has been engaging stakeholders.

“Through numerous meetings and extensive discussions, we have built bridges of trust. Several senior bandit leaders have laid their arms and embraced peace, along with their followers,” Sani said.

According to him, the individuals have enrolled in a rehabilitation programme created by the Kaduna State Government in collaboration with the Federal Government.

Sani noted that “This program adheres to international standards of disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration, ensuring that these individuals can return to society as productive citizens,” Sani said.

The governor warned that the rehabilitation of repentant bandits is based on the carrot-and-stick principle, saying that “while we welcome those who choose peace, we will not hesitate to take decisive action against anyone who continues to perpetuate violence.”

“The security, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies have already achieved significant results, neutralising bandit kingpins, dismantling criminal networks, and rescuing kidnapped victims.”