Kaduna State, located in northern Nigeria, has achieved a landmark peace agreement aimed at ending more than ten years of violent banditry. The breakthrough was reached after a weekend dialogue between state officials and bandits, marking a significant step toward restoring stability to the region.
In an unprecedented move, the bandits involved in the conflict expressed remorse for their actions during the talks and pledged to honor the peace accord. The agreement includes commitments to reintegrate into society, promote education for their children, and maintain peace within their communities.
“We call on vigilante groups to support this peace initiative and refrain from actions that could threaten its success,” said Ibrahim Bokolo, a former bandit and key figure in the peace talks. He urged both sides to collaborate to ensure that the reintegration process remains smooth and effective.
To support the ongoing peace process, the state government has established a peace dialogue group, which has already contributed to the revitalization of local markets, including grain and cattle trading. A Peace and Reconciliation Committee has also been created, consisting of government officials and community leaders tasked with addressing the root causes of violence and preventing its resurgence.
“This initiative has proven that dialogue and understanding are key to resolving even the most entrenched conflicts,” said Zubairu AbdulRauf, coordinator of the peace process. He also suggested that the model could serve as a blueprint for other regions across Nigeria that face similar challenges with armed groups.
This agreement comes amid a period of growing violence in Nigeria’s northwest, with bandits and armed groups causing widespread insecurity. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, nearly 615,000 deaths were recorded due to attacks between May 2023 and April 2024, with the northwest region suffering the highest toll, surpassing 200,000 fatalities.
The peace accord represents a hopeful turning point for the people of Kaduna State and offers a glimpse of potential stability for Nigeria’s conflict-ridden regions.