A glimmer of hope is returning to Birnin Gwari, a long-troubled agrarian community in Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria, following the federal government’s non-kinetic approach to tackling insecurity.
Once a hotbed of violent banditry, the town and its surrounding areas are gradually reclaiming peace and stability.
For over a decade, Birnin Gwari was plagued by frequent attacks from armed gangs, kidnappers, and cattle rustlers.
These criminal activities forced residents to abandon their farms, businesses, and homes, devastating local economic life.
Travel to and from the area was heavily restricted, often requiring military escorts on the 120-kilometer stretch of road that links Birnin Gwari to other southern states.
Today, thanks to a peace and reconciliation initiative brokered by the federal and Kaduna State governments, the atmosphere is changing. Although a few hamlets remain deserted, farming and commercial activities are slowly resuming, and confidence among residents is returning.
Military checkpoints now dot the highway at five to ten-minute intervals, offering travelers and villagers a sense of protection.
Community Voices
Wadalle Jibrin, a commercial driver who frequently plies the route between Kaduna and Birnin Gwari, recalls to Voice of Nigeria ‘VON the dark days of the past’.
“This road was a death trap. We could only travel under the protection of armed escorts. Now, we move freely. I commend the government for this progress.”
A local farmer and Chairman of the Orphans and WAQF Foundation, Malam Nuhu Abdulrauf, believes the non-kinetic peace deal is delivering meaningful impact.
He explained that, “the reconciliation between the government, Emirate Council, and the community has brought real change. Farming and commercial activities have increased”.
He expressed appreciation to Nigeria’s President. “We are grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani for their wisdom.”
Economic Impact:
The Chairman Birnin Gwari Local Government Salisu Isah, emphasized the economic turnaround.
He said, “On market days, the crowd is overwhelming. Our local revenue has increased significantly, and our traders are regaining their livelihoods.”
Business owners and residents views
Muhammed Lawal, a produce buyer, said, “We can now go to our farms without fear. This wasn’t possible before.”
Also, Sani Abubakar, a tomato seller, added: “We’re grateful. Businesses are returning, and people are feeling safe again.”
Madam Rejoice, a local shopkeeper, praised the security improvement. “We can now move freely. We go to the farm, to the market. We want this peace to be permanent.”
Deeper Engagement
Chairman of Miyetti Allah in the area, Babangida Adamu, linked the crisis to a long-standing farmer-herder tensions.
He welcomed the success of the non-kinetic strategy but urged stakeholders to deepen peace-building efforts at the grassroots level.
“People are moving about. But to sustain peace, we must work harder to build understanding in our communities.”
Forward
The transformation in Birnin Gwari stands as a testament to the potential of non-violent, dialogue-based solutions to complex security challenges.
As farming tools replace weapons and markets bustle once again, the people of Birnin Gwari dare to believe that lasting peace is within reach.
Olusola Akintonde