A multi-agency peace delegation on Tuesday deepened non-kinetic efforts in Birnin Gwari by securing fresh commitments from repentant bandits and resolving a brewing village dispute, officials said.
The Nov. 11 mission, jointly led by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and Kaduna State Peace Committee clerics, included representatives from the 1 Division Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, and Department of State Services (DSS).
Arriving Kuyello around 11:30 a.m., the team met community leaders and former bandit commanders.
The committee chairman urged the ex-fighters to honor their peace pact by ending attacks, kidnappings, and farm blockades.
“Trust and safety are the foundation of this initiative,” he stressed.A simmering clash between vigilantes in Kompany village (Layin Dan Auta) and residents of Layin Dan Lasa—under bandit leader Kachalla Risku—emerged during talks.
The feud stemmed from an Oct. 16 mining site killing of a Fulani man and seizure of his weapon, sparking retaliation and abductions.
Risku pledged to free all captives and surrender a police rifle but demanded return of four motorcycles taken in the incident.
Local Hakimi testified that bandits had mostly upheld the accord, blaming tensions on Layin Dan Auta residents’ non-compliance.
En route back to Kaduna, the delegation stopped at Rikau and Rima villages, meeting leaders Kabiru and Dandukununu, who reaffirmed their peace commitments.
Palliatives were distributed to build goodwill.The visit was deemed successful in averting violence and sustaining dialogue.
Key resolutions:
Birnin Gwari Local Government and Emirate Council to mediate between feuding villages.
Immediate release of all kidnap victims held by Risku.
Prompt handover of the police rifle to security forces.
The team returned to Kaduna safely by 7:50 p.m. after an uneventful day.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
