John Shiklam in Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government has inaugurated a 10-member committee for the resettlement of people displaced by bandits in some parts of Southern Kaduna.
Speaking yesterday at the inauguration in Kaduna, the state governor, Senator Uba Sani, noted that “the southern part of Kaduna State has faced its share of displacement of individuals and families due to the incidents of violence currently debilitating many parts of Kaduna State.”
Sani, who was represented by his deputy and chairperson of the committee, Dr. Hadiza, said that “the plight of the displaced persons weighs heavily on our collective conscience.”
He stressed that it is imperative to take decisive action to address their needs and facilitate their resettlement.
He charged the committee to devise comprehensive strategies for the effective resettlement of displaced persons in the southern part of Kaduna State.
“This entails facilitating access to basic amenities, healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities.
“Moreover, we must prioritise the restoration of their sense of dignity and belonging within their communities.
“It is crucial that we approach this task with empathy, sensitivity, fairness, sense of urgency and a commitment to inclusivity.
We must actively engage with the displaced communities, listening to their voices, understanding their concerns, and involving them in the decision-making processes that affect their lives.
“By fostering a participatory approach, we can ensure that our efforts are truly responsive to the needs and aspirations of those we seek to assist,” the governor said.
The governor urged the committee to leverage on the expertise and resources available, both within the government and through partnerships with relevant stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations, community-based organisations, and humanitarian agencies.
“Collaboration will be key to our success, as we work towards the common goal of facilitating the dignified return and sustainable reintegration of displaced persons into their communities.
“Together, we have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our fellow citizens, and I am confident that with our collective efforts, we can achieve our objectives and bring hope and stability to those in need,” he said.
On November 8, 2023, the governor announced that the state government, in collaboration with the military security outfit, Operation Save Heaven (OPSH), had concluded arrangements to resettle communities displaced by bandits in Southern Kaduna to their ancestral homes.
Members of the committee headed by the deputy governor, included the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), overseeing commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, council chairmen of Zagon- Kataf, Kaura and Jama’a LGA, executive vice chairman, Kaduna Peace Commission and the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, among others.
