By Femi Oyelola
Nigeria is presently bedevilled by an abundance of security challenges that gnaw at the very soul of the nation’s existence.
The country has been burdened with multidimensional insecurity problems ranging from terrorism, ritual killings, unknown gunmen, kidnapping, farmers-herders conflict, ethnic conflicts, religious conflicts, and now banditry.
The North West region between 2006 and 2021 had a total of 17,646 fatalities recorded in the seven states, with 12,354 deaths resulting from rural banditry. Zamfara State (5247) recorded the highest number of fatalities, followed by Kaduna (4046) and Katsina (1861)
Jigawa, Kano, and Kebbi States had the lowest banditry-related fatalities.
However, the Kaduna state government, under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, has been working tirelessly to address the security challenges through a well-thought-out grassroots reconciliation programme tagged ‘The Kaduna Model’.
The initiative has led to the reopening of the Kidandan Market in Giwa Local Government Area, which had been closed for 10 years due to insecurity. The market, said to be the largest livestock market in the local government area, is a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to rebuild and restore peace.
With this achievement, both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches have brought some relief to residents of the state. But brutal reign of the bandits has left pains that are not easy to forget in the hearts of some of the survivors.
Amid these security challenges, Kaduna State has taken a groundbreaking step towards empowering survivors of banditry attacks.
The Government, in collaboration with the Qatar Charity Foundation, have embarked on an initiative to provide homes and economic empowerment opportunities to victims of banditry.
For years, the state had been plagued by banditry, kidnapping, and general insecurity, which had left deep scars on the communities.
Hannatu Abel from Maro in Kujuru LGA lost her husband, a serving police officer, to banditry. She and her three children have been living on the goodwill of people, unable to bear the burden of caring for themselves.
Similarly, Naomi Amos from Jema’a LGA lost her husband to kidnappers, and life has since been at a standstill for her. Hauwa Ibrahim from Giwa LGA still recalls the trouble she and her children went through after the demise of her husband and the destruction of their home. No thanks to the nefarious activities of bandits.
However, the Kaduna State Government’s initiative has brought hope to these hitherto hopeless survivors.
The new homes, built through the collaboration between the state government and the Qatar Charity Foundation, were handed over to the victims of banditry in a colorful ceremony.
The beneficiaries were overjoyed as they received the keys to their new homes. The homes, which are fully furnished and equipped with basic amenities, are a welcome relief to the victims who had lost everything to banditry.
One of the beneficiaries, Hadiza, a widow who lost her husband to banditry, was overwhelmed with emotion as she received the key to her new home. “This is a new beginning for me and my children,” she said, tears streaming down her face.
Another beneficiary, Alhaji Ali, who was kidnapped by bandits and later released, said the new home would provide a sense of security and stability for his family. “We are grateful to the state government and the Qatar Charity Foundation for this generous gift,” he said.
Similarly, the joy and happiness of Hauwa Naomi and Hannatu, who are beneficiaries of the new home and empowerment program, know no bounds.
The economic empowerment component of the initiative is designed to provide vocational training and financial support to the victims. The training will equip them with skills to start their businesses, thereby enhancing their economic well-being.
Governor Sani declared the initiative as one of the most meaningful actions of his administration. “This is not just about unveiling buildings,” he said. “It is a solemn act of healing — a covenant fulfilled. We are telling every widow, orphan, and displaced soul: you are not forgotten. You are honoured. You are home.”
We’re not just giving out homes — we’re building futures,” Governor Sani noted. “True empowerment means helping people stand on their own feet with pride and purpose.”
The governor also commissioned a new school to provide free education for children of affected families, a clinic to serve their health needs, and a skills acquisition center for youth and women.
He praised Qatar Charity for its “extraordinary commitment to global solidarity,” and expressed gratitude to the Qatari Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Ali Bin Ghanem Al-Hajri, and the Country Director of Qatar Charity, Sheikh Hamdi Abdu, for their dedication to the project.
He praised Qatar Charity for its “extraordinary commitment to global solidarity,” and expressed gratitude to the Qatari Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Ali Bin Ghanem Al-Hajri, and the Country Director of Qatar Charity, Sheikh Hamdi Abdu, for their dedication to the project.
Governor Sani who thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, for their roles in stabilizing Kaduna’s security landscape,
assured citizens that this was just the beginning, he announced that Phase 2 of the project would soon begin, bringing more homes, schools, clinics, and boreholes to affected communities.
“To the resilient families receiving homes today — you are not defined by your loss but by your strength,” Governor Sani said. “You are not victims; you are survivors. You are our heroes.”
Reacting to this joyful development, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, commended the state governor for his role in stabilising and restoring peace in the state and putting a smile on the faces of the survivors.
He assured the government of the armed forces’ support and commended Qatar Charity for its good work towards rendering support to the victims.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who commissioned and handed over keys to 100 Bandit survivors turned landlords, assured them that his administration is committed to restoring peace, stability, and law and order across the country, especially in areas affected by insecurity and violence.
Represented by National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, Tinubu said, “Nigeria is in safe hands, and we will restore law and order. That is an assurance we are giving. It will be done.”
The housing project, carried out in collaboration with the Qatar Charity Organization, is part of the federal government’s broader agenda to rebuild communities ravaged by violent attacks.
The president noted that significant progress has already been made in restoring peace and rebuilding lives in Kaduna State. “Recovery is ongoing, and it is clear that fresh air is blowing through Kaduna State things are changing,” he said.
He stressed that good governance must prioritize the needs of the people, especially those affected by violence.
“We are wiping the tears of victims of extreme violence. We are reconciling communities. We are giving everyone a space to belong and a sense of inclusion,” Tinubu declared.
The president praised the Kaduna State Government, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the Chief of Defence Staff for employing both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to tackle insecurity in the region.
He highlighted the effectiveness of the “Kaduna Peace Model,” describing it as “intelligence and community-driven, rooted in the understanding that sustainable peace must be cultivated not imposed.”
According to him, the reopening of the Birnin Gwari Market and the return of displaced farmers to their ancestral lands are signs of progress. “This is a public declaration that Kaduna is having a new face a face of reality and rebuilding,” he said.
As the beneficiaries settle in their new homes, they are filled with a sense of hope and gratitude. The initiative has provided them with a fresh start, and they are determined to rebuild their lives.
The Kaduna State Government’s initiative to empower victims of banditry is part of a broader effort to address the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The state government has been working tirelessly to provide support to those affected by the crisis. The Qatar Charity Foundation’s involvement in the initiative has been instrumental in providing critical support to the victims.
The initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration and partnership in addressing complex challenges. As the beneficiaries look to the future, they are filled with hope and determination.
They know that they are not alone, and that someone care about their well-being and are willing to support them in rebuilding their lives.
