The Emir of Birnin Gwari, Alhaji Zubairu Jibril Maigwari, has commended the peace initiative launched in early 2025, saying it has brought a new sense of security and enabled farmers to return to their farmlands after years of conflict and displacement.
During a recent fact-finding visit to evaluate progress, the Emir noted that the peace accord was made possible through coordinated efforts by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Kaduna State Government, security forces, and local community representatives. He described the effort as a landmark model for conflict resolution.
“Since the beginning of the peace process, insecurity has reduced significantly,” the Emir remarked. While acknowledging some lingering issues like theft and equipment seizure, he emphasized that “the overall situation is far better than what we experienced in previous years.”
A key turning point, according to the monarch, was when Fulani leaders presented kola nuts during the initial dialogue sessions. “That single act helped to restore confidence among our people and paved the way for genuine dialogue,” he said, highlighting how symbolism played a powerful role in reconciliation.
Community leaders confirmed that despite rising fertilizer costs, many farmers have resumed planting and are expecting a good harvest. Farmlands that were previously abandoned due to fear of attack are once again in active use across the region.
The Emir called on the Federal Government and other state governments to adopt the Birnin Gwari peace model in border areas and communities still affected by violent clashes. “Let this peace strategy be extended to other troubled border communities,” he urged.
Alhaji Zubairu AbdurRauf, the Danmasanin Birnin Gwari, echoed the Emir’s message, saying the initiative has fostered new trust between farmers and herders. “Our communities are now guarding the peace they helped build,” he said, noting that both sides are working together to prevent a relapse into violence.
Markets in Birnin Gwari have reopened, with trade in cattle and grains picking up momentum. More than 100 trucks carrying livestock were recorded entering and exiting the town during the review visit, showing signs of renewed economic life.
Security patrols along the Birnin Gwari–Kaduna highway, once a notorious hotspot for kidnappings, have restored confidence in travel. Local officials have also reported improvements in education, health, and finance with Maigwari General Hospital operating fully and a commercial bank resuming operations in town.
In communities like Fagoma Dam, Sabon Layi, Gagumi, Kakangi, and Randagi, farmlands are thriving, with rice and grain crops showing promise. Residents have praised President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani for backing the initiative through the NSA, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and called for better border security to preserve the fragile gains.
Community vigilantes and repentant fighters have committed to protecting the peace. For many locals, the Birnin Gwari experience has shown that “dialogue, backed by security and grassroots participation, is a workable model for peace,” capturing the hope now returning to the region.
