Metro
“We Are ready for Peace, living in the Forest was Hell” – Kaduna Repentant bandits

Days after the authorities in Kaduna State in collaboration with the office of National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu entered a peace pact with bandits in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, many repentant bandits in Birnin Gwari Emirate, Buruku and at Sabon Birni community have sought forgiveness for the atrocities allegedly committed and assured Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State and the NSA that they would be law-abiding citizens in the future.
They, however, said they had lived solitary lives in the forests, divorced from normal life for over a decade, and would therefore be happy if the government gave them a sense of belonging and allowed their children to attend schools.
A Fulani elder who claimed to be a representative of bandit kingpin Jan Bross and a Fulani community leader, Ardo, said it was time for all Fulani leaders across the federation to talk to their subjects and convince them to fully embrace the peace process.
Speaking in Birnin Gwari, he said, “They should follow the Kaduna example and lay down arms.”
“We are grateful for this peace pact and shall continue to pray for its sustainability. Thank you government,” he said.
The Chairman of Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area, Hon.Salisu Isa, could not hide his excitement as the Local Government headquarters was bustling with activities again after a very long time of uncertainty due to attacks by bandits and other criminal elements.
During the crisis period, even the Local Council was moved to Kaduna, as bandits had vandalized critical assets and infrastructures in Birnin-Gwari. All banks were razed, the post office destroyed, and schools vandalised. Only the military and other security forces could remain to stop the criminals from completely annexing the historic town that has carved a niche as a major gateway to the Southwestern part of Nigeria.
According to the Local Council boss, the peace pact was reached due to persistent prayers to Almighty Allah.
“I express my gratitude to my boss, our Governor, Senator Uba Sani and the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu for this initiative, the Emir, LG staff, the Mallams and all others, ” he said.
He said in order to sustain and maintain the peace accord, the council inaugurated a Peace and Reconciliation Committee that meets regularly, which comprised key stakeholders from the government, the Hausa and Fulani communities, and others.
Hon.Isa called on interested investors in agriculture, to use the opportunity and key into the agric sector, as Birnin-Gwari had the potential of feeding the entire North with maize and other crops.
“Other places should emulate Birnin-Gwari and come up with the peace pact, ” he advised.
He said the public should continue to pray for Birnin-Gwari to restore its past glory and take the path for continued growth and development.
Alhaji Ibrahim Bokolo, a repentant bandit, said the crisis made him and his family relocate to neighbouring Niger state. Now that he had returned to Kaduna State, he appealed for more understanding, especially from local vigilantes and cautioned troublemakers to desist from any act that could breach the peace pact.
Another Fulani chieftain, Alhaji Isa, said they would listen to the government and abide by the peace pact.
He called on the government to check the activities of some vigilante members in neighbouring Zara, Gidigodi in Niger state, who were allegedly stopping the free movement of trucks loaded with cattle.
The Birnin Gwari LG boss had earlier assured that they would liaise with the authorities in Niger state over the matter.
Muhammadu Lawali, a repentant bandit, assured that the current peace pact was different from previous ones, as both parties had genuine intentions. He prayed for forgiveness and encouraged the Fulani and Hausa to show more love to one another.
According to him,” We now have respite; we can move freely and intermingle with people from different parts of the community. This is a clear departure from the recent past, we were confined to the bush and only saw the town from afar. That was how I lived for the past 7 years. We thank Almighty Allah and the authorities for this peace pact,” he said.
Suleiman Yes Power, another repentant bandit who was full of smiles, was delighted to have sold his cow at the Birnin Gwari cattle market, something he could not do in the previous years.
While displaying a wad of money, he prayed for the peace pact to be sustained so that the town would be full of economic activities, attracting people from far and near. He assured that on their part, they would continue to honour and respect the pact.
The Sarkin Zango Birnin Gwari, Hambali Muhammad, who was in charge of the cattle market, said the cattle market has not been operational for over 10 years due to banditry.
He commended the effort of the Federal and State authorities, the Emir of Birnin Gwari, the Local Government and other stakeholders who ensured that the peace pact saw the light of the day.
“Today, over 50 trucks loaded with livestock, left to different parts of this country. The market is back on track. All praises to Almighty Allah, ” he said.
At the grains market, 25-year-old Yusuf Ibrahim Jonga said one of the benefits of the peace pact was that they now have contact with the Fulani, unlike before.
” We now communicate with the Fulani, they tell us their grudges and we find ways to resolve issues. ”
” Now, the Birnin-Gwari- Lagos Road is accessible 24 hours, and vehicles are now plying the road comfortably, without any fear of attack by bandits, unlike before. Economic activity has picked up. Farmers have started clearing farmlands ahead of the next planting season. ”
” I lost 2 brothers during the crisis, and my relatives in the Randagi area were dislodged. But now we are grateful to Almighty Allah for this peace pact, ” he said.
Another farmer, Malam Mustapha said nothing could be more enjoyable than the freedom to move and interact
” We see them now, they see us too. The Fulani in the bush, and we, the Hausa, in the town. We are now together enjoying peace and harmony, ” he said.
“Now, we can go to where we couldn’t go before, during the crisis period. We buy and sell, Alhamdulillah, “he said.
“There are places in the forest where we could not plant crops. This year we are going to cultivate in these forests,” he said.
He called on the people to feel free and visit the Birnin-Gwari grains market, a market he said had in the past, attracted buyers from neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameron.
At the Buruku market, the situation was peaceful and calm, with buying and selling going on, under the careful watch of market and LG officials.
A local trader said over 100 trucks departed the market full of farm produce, to different parts of the country.
The Sabon Birni community near the Kaduna International Airport, which was a no-go area due to banditry weeks ago, was in a festive mood on Sunday as people from far and near trooped to the market.
The District Head of the community was full of praise for Governor Uba Sani and NSA Ribadu, calling on the government to rebuild infrastructures in the community, like schools and others, which were affected during the crisis period.
The coordinator of the peace trip and the Dan Masanin Birnin Gwari, Zubairu Idris AbdulRauf, was optimistic that ultimate peace would return in the entire state and beyond.
From Birnin Gwari, Buruku, Sabon Birni Daji, Kidandan and Giwa, bandits have keyed into the process and life returned to normal.
Idris AbdulRauf said once the Kaduna Peace Pact, as exemplified by the Governor Uba Sani administration, through the adoption and application of a kinetic approach, is emulated, such would lead to the continuation of peace and a new lease of life for the people.
Metro
Gunmen storm University of Benin teaching hospital, kill doctor

Unknown gunmen have reportedly shot dead a doctor on duty at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) in Edo state.
The victim, simply identified as Dr. Alex, was said to be in the physiotherapy department inside the health facility when the tragic incident occurred.
Following the shooting, it was gathered that there was confusion in the hospital as healthy workers and patients scampered for safety.
The incident was said to have occurred on Friday, but became public knowledge after health workers protested the gruesome killing of their colleague inside the hospital facility.
The workers brandished various placards to register their displeasure over the incident.
The hospital’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Joshua Uwaila, confirmed the killing on Tuesday.
Uwaila said: “A physiotherapist with the University of Benin Teaching Hospital was shot dead on Friday.
“The authority of the hospital has reported the matter to the security agencies and are awaiting the outcome of their findings.”
Blueprint reports that the killing occurred amid renewed cult clashes between members of the notorious Black Axe and Maphites confraternity groups.
A member of the Edo State Security Corps, an Estate developer and three others are said to have been feared dead between Thursday and Monday.
The Edo state police spokesman, CSP. Moses Yamu, was yet to respond to the developments as at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, the Edo state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed deep concern over the resurgence of cult-related violence in some parts of the state .
In a statement issued by his apecial adviser on Media and Publicity, Bugie Okhuemoi, the governor directed security agencies to move in decisively against papetrators.
The statement noted, “The Governor had made it abundantly clear that the State would no longer tolerate the senseless killing of our youths and the destabilization of our communities.
“Regrettably, recent developments indicate that some individuals and groups have chosen to defy that understanding.
“This administration remains unshaken in its commitment to rid Edo State of cultism, criminality, and all threats to peace and order.
“We urge all law-abiding residents to remain calm and continue with their daily activities.
“The security agencies are fully mobilised and working around the clock to restore and maintain peace.”
Metro
FCTA destroys 601 motorbikes over violations

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has destroyed 601 impounded motorcycles in Abuja, in a move to reinforce traffic regulations and address security concerns.
Mandate Secretary for Transport in FCTA, Dr. Elechi Chinedum, explained that the exercise carried out on Tuesday by the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) was in compliance with the regulation of the FCT.
“The most recent regulation, effective from January 1, 2023, was signed into law by the immediate-past administration of Mohammed Bello. Using motorbikes in certain areas is against the law, and today we are here to enforce that,” the mandate secretary said.
Chinedum emphasised the importance of following the law, saying, “All laws are made, and people take it upon themselves to violate the law. Initially, it was about aesthetics for the FCT, but now it concerns security and criminality. The DRTS is here to enforce regulations and ensure safety.
“If you have a motorcycle at home, we’re not coming after you. However, if you bring it into a prohibited area, we will impound it. We will continue to enforce the law, and if there are defaulters, we will be relentless,” he said.
The head of DRTS, Dr Abdulateef Bello, also highlighted the ongoing ban on commercial motorcycles initiated in 2006 as a measure to curb traffic abuses.
“This exercise supports the existing ban on the use of commercial motorcycles in the Federal Capital City,” he said. Adding, “Today, we are sending a message to those still investing in this business: think twice, as we will continue to impound and crush motorcycles forfeited by the court”.
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Operations, FCT Command, Mode Magawata, stressed the criminal implications associated with motorcycles.
“We cannot fold our hands. These motorcycles are often used in crimes, including armed robbery and kidnappings.
“The minister emphasises that there should be no motorcycles in restricted areas, and we are here to ensure that the law is enforced,” Magawata said.
Metro
Man commits suicide after wife’s death in Niger

A young man identified as Stephen Moses has reportedly committed suicide after the death of his youngest wife in Ikumi Village, Shako District, Gurara Local Government Area, Niger State,
Sources told Daily Trust that Stephen, 30, had battled mental and emotional health challenges since the death of his second wife in March this year.
Sources said he had constantly stated that he could not have a comfortable life without his late wife.
Daily Trust gathered that he used his dane gun with which he hunted to kill himself on his farm.
One of the sources said he left behind his first wife and two children.
Spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident to Daily Trust.
He said the incident happened on April 24, 2025.
According to him “On 24th April, 2025 at about 8pm, report received that one Stephen Moses 30yrs of Ikumi village via Shako District of Gawu-Babangida, Gurara LGA earlier around afternoon period shot himself on the chest with a Dane gun in his farm.
“Police operatives of Gawu-Babangida Div visited the scene, found a Dane gun and the body on the ground, corpse was taken to the hospital while preliminary findings revealed that the deceased was mourning the death of his wife who recently passed on, and has been threatening to commit suicide, and his relatives didn’t inform the Police for preventive measure”.
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