The Emir of Birnin Gwari, Zubair Jibril, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to consolidate the peace recently restored to his once-embattled emirate by accelerating key infrastructure and development projects in the area.
The monarch made the appeal in a statement titled “Renewed Hope, Renewed Peace: Lessons from Birnin Gwari for a Stronger Nigeria,” which he personally signed and made available to journalists in Kaduna on Monday.
He said, although relative calm had returned to Birnin Gwari after years of deadly bandit attacks, the peace remained delicate and could easily collapse if not supported by rapid socio-economic interventions from the Federal Government.
“We reassure all prospective investors, local and foreign, that peace and security have firmly returned to Birnin Gwari. But peace alone is not enough.
“We must build on it quickly — while the calm still holds,” the Emir stated.
Birnin Gwari, one of Kaduna State’s largest local government areas, was for nearly two decades the epicentre of banditry, kidnapping, and cattle rustling in the North-West.
However, sustained security operations jointly undertaken by federal and state forces have, in the last year, drastically reduced attacks in the area.
The Emir said reports indicated that bandit activities had dropped by more than 90 per cent, while incidents of kidnapping had plummeted, allowing farmers and traders to return gradually to their daily routines.
He commended Tinubu for what he described as “a rare act of leadership and empathy” shown when the then-presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress visited Birnin Gwari by road in 2022 at the height of insecurity in the area.
“Your Excellency, you made a covenant with us, not a political promise, but a moral one.
“You kept your word by restoring security. Now we ask you to help us restore dignity,” the monarch said.
Jibril outlined a list of priority projects he wants the Federal Government to address urgently, including the rehabilitation of the Funtua–Birnin Gwari and Birnin Gwari–Minna federal roads, the establishment of a tertiary institution to serve the growing youth population, and the upgrade of the Jibril Mai Gwari I Memorial Hospital to a Federal Medical Centre.
According to him, the Jibril Mai Gwari I Memorial Hospital serves residents from four neighbouring states, Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, and Zamfara and upgrading it would not only save lives but also strengthen the peace that had been achieved.
“This hospital is not just for Birnin Gwari. It serves four states: Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, and Zamfara. Elevating it will save lives and anchor long-term peace,” he said.
The Emir also called for the restoration of banking and telecommunication services which were suspended in 2021 as part of anti-banditry measures.
He said the absence of these essential services had crippled commerce, limited social interaction, and discouraged investors.
“The land is open, the people are ready, and opportunity awaits. But we cannot invite investors if they cannot make calls, move money, or access roads,” he declared.
He noted that while Governor Uba Sani had initiated several development projects, such as the proposed cattle market and the Bagoma–Gagumi agricultural road, the scope of Birnin Gwari’s challenges required direct federal intervention and the participation of development partners.
“We need the continued hand of the Federal Government. We also invite international partners and the private sector. Let us not miss this moment,” the monarch said.
Jibril said the emirate’s recent progress should be viewed as a lesson for the rest of the country, stressing that the story of Birnin Gwari showed that “no place is too broken to heal” if peace efforts are sustained.
“Our story shows that no place is too broken to heal. But healing must be followed by growth. If not, wounds reopen,” he added.
The Emir, who praised the courage of local vigilante groups and traditional leaders for complementing the efforts of security agencies, warned that the window of peace might close if the people’s expectations for development are not met.
He said federal authorities must treat Birnin Gwari as a strategic hub linking the North-West and North-Central regions, adding that improving road infrastructure and social services in the area would stimulate trade, agriculture, and regional integration.
“The Birnin Gwari–Minna and Funtua–Birnin Gwari roads are not just local routes. They connect northern economies.
“Rehabilitating them will boost commerce, reduce travel time, and open up vast agricultural corridors,” he said.
The monarch also urged the Tinubu administration to make Birnin Gwari a model of post-conflict recovery, combining security, education, and economic opportunities to sustain stability.
“As Nigeria celebrates 65 years of independence, our emirate offers a metaphor — and a warning. Peace without progress is temporary. Prosperity sustains peace,” he said.
He concluded with an appeal to Tinubu to remember his personal commitment to the people of Birnin Gwari.
“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,” the monarch said.
