By Meschac Aliyu Isah
In a significant development on Sunday December 15, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, reopened the Kidandan Market in Giwa Local Government Area of the state.
It had been closed for 10 odd years primarily because of banditry, kidnapping and general insecurity.
It is said to be the largest livestock market in the local government area. Earlier, precisely on Thursday, November 28, just 18 days back, Governor Uba Sani had received the first set of repentant bandits in Birnin-Gwari and reopened the cattle market, which had been closed also for about 10 years due to insecurity in the area.
These heartwarming developments represent a major breakthrough in the state government’s efforts to address the security challenges that have plagued the state for years through a well thought-out grassroots reconciliation programme simply tagged ‘The Kaduna Model’. Without making any noise about it, the Kaduna State Government has been working tirelessly by engaging stakeholders and building trust among the various communities in strategic grassroots reconciliation efforts throughout the state in the past six months.
According to Governor Uba Sani, his administration established the Peace Dialogue Group in collaboration with some Federal Government agencies, which has been engaging stakeholders tirelessly to build bridges of trust.
He stated that several senior bandit leaders had laid down their arms and embraced peace, along with their followers.
These individuals, he stated, are enrolled in a rehabilitation programme designed by the Kaduna State Government in partnership with the Federal Government; emphasizing that the programme adhered strictly to international standards of disarmament, demobilisation, reintegration, and in particular, ensuring that these individuals could return to society as productive citizens.
Without any iota of doubt, the reopening of the Kidandan Market on Sunday, following the recent reopening of the Birnin-Gwari livestock market, marked an unprecedented milestone in the state’s peace-building efforts all aimed at stemming insecurity in all its ramifications.
These laudable efforts which have culminated into the reopening of two major markets is an eloquent testimony to the state government’s commitment to restoring stability and reviving the local economy. Governor Uba Sani, who was represented at Kidandan by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Sani Kila, emphasised the crucial role of peace in achieving development.
He urged community members to embrace the reconciliation process and explore peaceful resolutions to their differences. In his words: “Peace is an invaluable asset.
It is the key to progress and development. Conflict destroys, while peace builds. We are one people. Though we may have differences, there are peaceful ways to resolve issues. Let us collectively say no to violence and conflict and work towards a prosperous future for Giwa Local Government,” Sani admonished.
He stressed the role of the state’s Peace Dialogue Group in ensuring that agreements with repentant bandits are honoured, thus sustaining the newfound peace.
He also assured of protection and rehabilitation for those who have laid down their arms.
At the well-attended occasion, the Commissioner for Security and Internal Affairs, Dr James Atung Kanyip, reiterated the state’s dedication to maintaining peace and called on residents to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities.
The Chairman of the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, Sheikh Yusuf Musa Asadussunah, underscored the progress made in fostering reconciliation.
He revealed that several senior bandit leaders and their followers had surrendered their arms and embraced peace after extensive dialogue.
An elated Chairman of Giwa Local Government Area, Sani Yakawada, expressed gratitude to Governor Sani, security agencies, and community leaders for their roles in restoring peace to the area as the reopening of the Kidandan market is expected to revitalise the local economy, provide job opportunities, and foster development. In a region beleaguered by persistent insecurity, Kaduna State stands out as a case study in the multifaceted approaches to restoring peace and stability.
Governor Uba Sani has emerged as a beacon of hope in the ongoing battle against banditry, kidnapping, and general upheaval that has characterized the state and Northern Nigeria for years. His administration adopted a diplomatic and non-kinetic strategy by appealing for grassroots reconciliation in addressing the pervasive issues of insecurity, setting a transformative example for Nigeria and beyond. Historically, armed responses have dominated the national discourse on the modality for restoring security in many places.
However, the friction accompanying kinetic operations often exacerbates the very issues they aim to resolve, leading to collateral damage and further alienation of communities.
Thus, understanding the limitations of purely military solutions, Governor Uba Sani has now pivoted towards a comprehensive approach that encompasses community engagement, economic development, and innovative dialogue mechanisms.
At the heart of Governor Uba Sani’s approach is a fundamental belief in community cooperation and grassroots reconciliation.
Rather than imposing security measures from the outside, his administration emphasizes the importance of building trust between law enforcement agencies and local communities. Engaging with locals fosters a sense of ownership over security efforts, which can lead to more effective outcomes. Citizens who feel included and valued are more likely to report suspicious activities and cooperate with the authorities.
Also, insecurity, banditry, and kidnapping are often symptoms of deeper socio-economic issues. Uba Sani’s model recognizes that without addressing these root causes—such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of educational opportunities—the cycle of violence will continue.
By investing in economic and social development programs, the administration aims to reduce the allure of criminal activities.
This holistic view creates a buffer against insecurity and encourages sustainable peace. It is gladdening to note that Governor Uba Sani has actively engaged in dialogue initiatives with various stakeholders, including local leaders, community organizations, and even bandits.
Through these dialogues, the administration seeks to steer disenchanted youth away from criminal activities, providing them with viable alternatives.
Unknown to many, kinetic strategies can further provoke violence and create cycles of retribution that undermine security efforts. By focusing on non-violent resolutions, Governor Uba Sani minimizes the risk of escalating conflicts.
His model encourages a more thoughtful approach, prioritizing communication and understanding over force, which can often lead to unintended consequences.
The pressing need for a transformative change in the security landscape cannot be overstated.
The non-kinetic model advocated by Governor Uba Sani offers a promising alternative that can be replicated in other states facing similar challenges. By pursuing this approach vigorously, it strengthens community resilience and reduces the chances of deterrence becoming destruction.
Moreover, the global landscape is progressively favoring non-violent conflict resolution methods. As the international community increasingly recognizes the efficacy of diplomacy over militarization, Nigeria and its states have the opportunity to align with effective global practices.
Emphasizing non-kinetic measures not only aids in social cohesion but also enhances the country’s reputation on the international stage as an advocate for peace.
Despite the compelling logic behind Governor Uba Sani’s Kaduna Model, critics argue that the non-kinetic approach appears soft on crime and provides little immediate relief to the urgency of the insecurity crisis. But it has to be agreed that the inefficacies of purely kinetic solutions have been glaring, and history is replete with examples of militarized strategies failing to achieve lasting results. Indeed, critics must remember that security is not solely a matter of armed response; it involves the well-being and stability of the populace.
Addressing the socio-economic factors fueling banditry and kidnap for ransom lays the foundation for sustainable peace. Interestingly, Governor Uba Sani’s vision has found a solid ally in the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt Hon Abbas Tajudeen.
The Speaker on Monday insisted that, military might alone won’t tackle Nigeria’s insecurity.
He maintained that the country’s escalating security challenges demand non-kinetic and innovative solutions beyond military might and actions alone. Speaking in Abuja at a workshop organized by the House in collaboration with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), Abbas emphasized the need for non-kinetic strategies to address terrorism, banditry and other forms of violence. In conclusion, Governor Uba Sani’s diplomatic and non-kinetic model to combat insecurity, banditry, and kidnapping in Kaduna State represents a significant paradigm shift in contemporary security strategies in Nigeria.
By embracing non-kinetic solutions that emphasize dialogue, grassroots reconciliation, community involvement, and socio-economic development, the governor not only aims to alleviate the immediate threats but also fosters an enduring culture of peace and collaboration.
The time is ripe for the entire nation to learn from Kaduna State’s experience of addressing the roots of insecurity for a safer and more prosperous future. ·
•Aliyu Isah, a chartered accountant, writes from the Abuja.
