Birnin-Gwari Group Denies Paying Bandits in Peace Deal
A community group in Birnin-Gwari has strongly refuted claims by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufa’i, that the state government and the National Security Adviser paid bandits as part of a recent peace agreement.
The Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance issued a statement on Monday, calling El-Rufa’i’s comments “lies and half-truths.” The group stated that the peace model was initiated by the local community in collaboration with the current Governor, Uba Sani, and the Office of the National Security Adviser.
According to Ibrahim Abubakar NaGwari, the group’s chairman, no money was exchanged with the former bandits. Instead, the demands of the armed groups focused on specific development initiatives, including:
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Reopening of cattle markets
Free movement for citizens
Provision of healthcare facilities
Schools
Industrial boreholes
The statement noted that since the peace efforts began, the area has experienced relative stability for nine months. It added that farmers have returned to their lands, kidnappings have ceased, and economic activities have resumed.
The group criticized El-Rufa’i for his previous inability to restore peace to the area during his time as governor and urged him to “refrain from spreading falsehoods.”
The Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance stated that the peace model, which they described as a “beacon of hope,” has become a successful example for other states facing similar security challenges.
By PRNigeria
