Kaduna Group Slams El-Rufai Over Banditry Claim, Denies Paying Criminals in Peace Deal

The Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance has strongly refuted former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai’s claims that money was paid to bandits as part of peace initiatives in the region.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Ibrahim Abubakar NaGwari, the group described the ex-governor’s comments during a recent television interview as “lies and half-truths,” insisting that no ransom or monetary inducement formed part of their peace model.

According to NaGwari, the initiative that has brought relative calm to Birnin-Gwari was built on community dialogue, grassroots engagement, and collaboration with security agencies not financial settlements to criminals.

He noted that El-Rufai’s remarks were an attempt to discredit the painstaking efforts of community leaders and security stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to restore stability in the area.

“The narrative being pushed by the former governor is not only misleading but also undermines the sacrifices made by our people. At no time was money exchanged with bandits under our peace arrangement,” the statement read.

The group further accused El-Rufai of ignoring the realities on the ground during his tenure, which it said coincided with the peak of bandit attacks in Birnin-Gwari and other parts of Kaduna State.

It urged political leaders to desist from making comments that could jeopardize ongoing peace efforts, stressing that what is needed now is support and sincerity in addressing the insecurity bedeviling the state.

“Birnin-Gwari has suffered enough. What we expect from leaders, past and present, is constructive engagement, not statements that fuel suspicion or weaken community confidence in peace initiatives,” NaGwari added.

The Vanguard reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the government and security agencies in consolidating peace and rebuilding trust among residents of the troubled region.