Tinubu, Governor Sani commission landmark projects for victims of banditry in Kaduna

By AMOS MATTHEW, kaduna –

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring law and order in Nigeria, particularly in areas affected by insecurity and violence.

Speaking at the commissioning of housing projects for victims of banditry in Kaduna State, Tinubu assured Nigerians that his government is working to bring peace and stability to the country.

Speaking through the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, at the commissioning of the first phase of housing projects for victims of banditry in Kaduna State, 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 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 housing project, a collaboration between the Kaduna State Government and Qatar Charity, aims to restore dignity and rebuild lives of families affected by violence.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State highlighted the project’s significance, stating it’s a “solemn act of healing” and a “bold gesture of solidarity” for those who have lost loved ones to banditry.

The project includes building homes, schools, clinics, and shopping complexes to support affected families. Additionally, families received empowerment tools such as tricycles, grinding machines, salon kits, and welding equipment to help them regain economic independence.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas. They all praised the Kaduna State Government and Qatar Charity for their collaborative efforts in supporting victims of banditry.

President Tinubu emphasized his administration’s commitment to delivering “tangible, impactful, and sustainable” results for those in need.

Governor Sani assured citizens that this is just the beginning, with Phase 2 of the project set to bring more homes, schools, clinics, and boreholes to affected communities.

The beneficiaries of the project were visibly moved by the gesture. Many of them had lost loved ones to banditry and had been living in fear and uncertainty. But with the new homes and empowerment tools, they are beginning to see a glimmer of hope. “This is a new beginning for us,” said one beneficiary. “We are grateful to the government and Qatar Charity for their support.”

The project has also received praise from the international community. The Qatari Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Ali Bin Ghanem Al-Hajri, described the initiative as a “model of partnership and cooperation” between governments and non-governmental organizations.

Governor Sani emphasized that restoration must follow security, stating that “safety without healing is hollow, and peace without dignity is incomplete.” The Kaduna Peace Model, which combines kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to tackle insecurity, has shown promising results. The reopening of the Birnin Gwari Market and the return of displaced farmers to their ancestral lands are signs of progress.

The project is a testament to the government’s commitment to restoring peace and stability in the state. “We are not just rebuilding homes; we are rebuilding lives,” Governor Sani said.