Birnin Gwari Calls for Federal Boost to Consolidate Peace, Emir Appeals to Tinubu

The Emir of Birnin Gwari, Malam Zubair Jibril, has urged President Bola Tinubu to accelerate development projects in his emirate to consolidate the fragile peace recently restored after years of deadly bandit attacks.

In a statement titled ‘Renewed Hope, Renewed Peace: Lessons from Birnin Gwari for a Stronger Nigeria’, the monarch appealed for urgent federal intervention to ensure that the relative calm in the area does not collapse. The statement, personally signed by the Emir, was made available to journalists in Kaduna on Monday.

“Peace has returned to Birnin Gwari, but it remains delicate. Rapid socio-economic interventions from the Federal Government are crucial to sustain this progress,” the Emir said.

Birnin Gwari, one of Kaduna State’s largest local government areas, was long plagued by banditry, kidnappings, and cattle rustling. However, coordinated security operations by federal and state authorities have drastically reduced attacks over the past year, with reports indicating that bandit activity has dropped by over 90 per cent.

The Emir praised President Tinubu for his leadership during the height of insecurity, recalling the APC presidential candidate’s visit to the area in 2022. “Your Excellency, you made a moral covenant with us and restored security. Now we ask you to help us restore dignity,” he said.

Jibril highlighted key priority projects, including the rehabilitation of the Funtua–Birnin Gwari and Birnin Gwari–Minna federal roads, the establishment of a tertiary institution for the youth, and the upgrade of the Jibril Mai Gwari I Memorial Hospital to a Federal Medical Centre. He noted that the hospital serves residents from Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, and Zamfara, and upgrading it would save lives and strengthen peace in the region.

The Emir also called for the restoration of banking and telecommunications services, which were suspended in 2021 to curb banditry. “The land is open, the people are ready, and opportunity awaits. Investors need access to roads, money, and communication,” he said.

While commending Kaduna Governor Uba Sani for initiating local projects, Jibril stressed that Birnin Gwari’s challenges require direct federal support and collaboration with international development partners.

“Our story shows that no place is too broken to heal. But healing must be followed by growth; otherwise, wounds reopen,” he warned, urging that Birnin Gwari be made a model of post-conflict recovery by integrating security, education, and economic opportunities.

The Emir concluded with an emotional appeal to President Tinubu, reminding him of his earlier commitment: “You were Dakaren Birnin Gwari — the fearless one who stood with us in our darkest hour. Now we ask you to stand with us in our hour of rebuilding. Let Birnin Gwari become a model, not just of peace, but of prosperity.”