By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Birnin Gwari Emirate Progressives Union (BEPU) has raised the alarm over what it describes as renewed attempts by criminal elements to reverse the hard-won peace in Birnin Gwari Emirate, Kaduna State, urging the federal and state governments to intervene urgently before the situation deteriorates.
In a press statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Isah Muhammad, BEPU said the Emirate had recorded remarkable progress in peacebuilding and security over the last two years, thanks to the coordinated efforts of government authorities, security agencies, traditional institutions, and community leaders.
The group noted that relative calm had returned to many parts of the area, restoring hope and positioning Birnin Gwari as a model for other conflict-affected communities.
That progress, however, is now under threat. BEPU expressed concern that a handful of armed groups operating in the forests have refused to lay down their arms or abide by existing peace agreements.
According to the union, these elements have been invading farmlands, intimidating farmers, and seizing motorcycles and mobile phones from residents, creating fresh anxiety across the Emirate.
The group said the situation escalated three days ago with the killing of Ibrahim Adamu, a commercial driver from Birnin Gwari, who was reportedly attacked and killed while traveling from Kaduna to Birnin Gwari around the Buruku area in Chikun Local Government Area. The incident has triggered widespread grief and raised doubts about the sustainability of the peace process.
Following the killing, tensions flared as some aggrieved residents who had previously suffered losses to bandit attacks assaulted three Fulani individuals. Security personnel intervened promptly to restore order, and the victims were treated and discharged from hospital. BEPU confirmed that no lives were lost in the reprisal incident.
Condemning all forms of violence and reprisal attacks, BEPU stressed that the overwhelming majority of residents, regardless of ethnicity or background, desire peace and stability.
The group warned against allowing criminal elements or politically motivated actors to drag the community back into the era of widespread banditry that devastated Birnin Gwari for years.
With the rainy season underway and farmers already on their fields, BEPU said the timing of the renewed insecurity poses a direct threat to agriculture, the backbone of Birnin Gwari’s economy.
The union cautioned that if farmers are prevented from accessing their farms due to threats and attacks, the fallout would extend beyond Kaduna State, affecting food production in neighboring states and even Niger Republic.
To preserve the peace, BEPU called on the government and security agencies to take immediate steps to curb rising insecurity around Eastern Birnin Gwari, particularly in areas like Kuyello, where attacks have been reported.
“It urged authorities to halt the recurring seizure of farmers’ property, intensify efforts to recover illegal firearms still in circulation, and conduct a comprehensive review of the ongoing peace process to address emerging challenges before they escalate.
The union also pushed for deeper engagement with local communities, especially farmers, to reassure them of government protection and discourage self-help or armed self-defense. It further demanded enhanced intelligence gathering and increased security patrols along farming communities and major roads throughout the rainy season.
BEPU appealed to residents to remain calm, patient, and vigilant, and to cooperate with security agencies while praying for lasting peace. Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the group cautioned politicians against exploiting the pains of Birnin Gwari for political gain, insisting that the sacrifices of the people must not be turned into a tool for inflaming tensions.
The union also advised motorists and commercial drivers to avoid unnecessary night journeys and to comply with security advisories issued by the authorities.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace and lawful security initiatives, BEPU said it would continue working with all stakeholders to ensure Birnin Gwari remains on the path of stability, progress, and development.
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