From Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Birnin Gwari Emirate Progressives Union (BEPU) has raised concerns over renewed attempts by criminal elements to undermine the hard-won peace in Birnin Gwari Emirate, Kaduna State, urging both the federal and state governments to intervene before the situation worsens.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Isah Muhammad, BEPU said the Emirate had recorded significant progress in peacebuilding and security over the past two years through the collective efforts of government authorities, security agencies, traditional institutions, and community leaders.
According to the union, relative peace has returned to many communities, restoring hope and positioning Birnin Gwari as a model for other conflict-affected areas.
However, the group warned that the gains are under threat, noting that some armed groups operating in the forests have refused to surrender their weapons or adhere to existing peace agreements.
BEPU alleged that the groups have continued to invade farmlands, intimidate farmers, and seize motorcycles and mobile phones from residents, creating fresh fears across the Emirate.
The union said the situation worsened three days ago with the killing of Ibrahim Adamu, a commercial driver from Birnin Gwari, who was reportedly attacked while travelling from Kaduna to Birnin Gwari near Buruku in Chikun Local Government Area. The incident, it said, has sparked widespread grief and renewed concerns over the sustainability of the peace process.
Following the killing, tensions rose as some aggrieved residents who had previously suffered losses from bandit attacks assaulted three Fulani individuals. Security personnel quickly intervened to restore order, while the victims received treatment and were later discharged from hospital. BEPU said no lives were lost in the reprisal incident.
The group condemned all forms of violence and reprisal attacks, stressing that the vast majority of residents, irrespective of ethnic background, are committed to peace and stability.
It warned against allowing criminal elements or politically motivated actors to drag the community back into the era of rampant banditry that plagued Birnin Gwari for years.
With the rainy season already underway and farmers cultivating their lands, BEPU said the renewed insecurity poses a serious threat to agriculture, the mainstay of the local economy.
The union warned that restricting farmers’ access to their fields would have consequences beyond Kaduna State, potentially affecting food production in neighbouring states and even the Niger Republic.
To safeguard the peace, BEPU called on the government and security agencies to urgently address rising insecurity in Eastern Birnin Gwari, particularly around Kuyello and other affected communities.
It also urged authorities to stop the recurring seizure of farmers’ property, intensify efforts to recover illegal firearms still in circulation, and review the ongoing peace process to address emerging challenges before they escalate.
The union further advocated stronger engagement with local communities, especially farmers, to reassure them of government protection and discourage resorting to self-help or armed self-defence. It also called for improved intelligence gathering and increased security patrols across farming communities and major roads throughout the rainy season.
BEPU appealed to residents to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies while praying for lasting peace. Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the group cautioned politicians against exploiting the suffering of Birnin Gwari residents for political purposes, insisting that their sacrifices should not be used to inflame tensions.
The union also advised motorists and commercial drivers to avoid unnecessary night travel and to comply with security directives issued by relevant authorities.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace and lawful security initiatives, BEPU said it would continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure Birnin Gwari remains on the path of stability, progress, and development.