Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has revealed that the majority of bandits terrorising Birnin Gwari are not foreign invaders but individuals born and raised within the community.
The governor made this disclosure during an interview with TVC News while discussing ongoing peace and security initiatives in the state.
According to him, the Kaduna Peace Model—an initiative designed to promote dialogue and community-driven security—has exposed the deep-rooted nature of insecurity in the region.
“The Emir of Birnin Gwari informed me when we started this Kaduna model that all the bandits around Birnin Gwari, the majority of them were born in his presence,” Governor Sani stated.
The governor explained that the revelation underscores the complexity of the crisis, showing that many armed groups are made up of indigenes rather than external forces. He said this reality calls for a more nuanced approach that blends military action with community engagement, dialogue, and socio-economic reforms.
Governor Sani stressed that the Kaduna Peace Model was designed to involve traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders in security efforts, noting that security agencies alone cannot sustainably end banditry without local support.
He also identified poverty, unemployment, and illiteracy as root causes of criminality, warning that young people deprived of opportunities are more vulnerable to recruitment by armed groups.
“Peace cannot be achieved solely through force. It must be built on trust, dialogue, and by creating opportunities for our young people,” he added.
Governor Sani assured residents that his administration remains committed to comprehensive strategies aimed at restoring lasting peace and stability to Kaduna State.
