By Mu’awuya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Katsina State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has constructed 152 two-bedroom houses for victims of bandit attacks in Jibia Local Government Area of the state.
The beneficiaries were also provided with a veterinary clinic, cattle market, Climate Peace Hub, and a 50kWp solar mini-grid to support their livelihoods and improve living conditions.
Speaking during the commissioning of the houses, Governor Dikko Umar Radda described the projects as a major step toward restoring hope and rebuilding the lives of people affected by insecurity.
The governor said the projects were implemented under the North-West Development Facility through a partnership involving the UNDP and other development partners.
According to him, the initiative was designed to provide shelter and sustainable means of livelihood for victims of banditry.
Radda disclosed that the beneficiaries would also receive mattresses, mats, blankets, cooking utensils, soap, rice, and financial assistance to help them restart their lives.
He added that similar projects are ongoing in Safana and Batsari Local Government Areas.
The governor commended the UNDP and other development partners for complementing his administration’s efforts to address insecurity and improve the welfare of affected communities.
He also praised the sacrifices of security personnel in protecting lives and property, assuring them of continued government support.
Radda called on bandits to embrace peace in the interest of the state and its people.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Rural and Social Development, Professor Abdurrahman Ahmed Mani, said the beneficiaries were selected from the eleven wards of Jibia Local Government Area. He disclosed that 70 of the beneficiaries were women, while 82 were men.
Mani added that the ministry had established a committee to ensure proper maintenance of the houses and other facilities provided under the project.
In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Danmusa, said that several local government areas had enjoyed relative peace for the past year following peace initiatives facilitated by local communities and repentant bandits.
He listed the benefiting local government areas as Batsari, Danmusa, Safana, Jibia, Dandume, and Sabuwa, among others.
Danmusa called on residents to continue praying for the return of lasting peace across all parts of the state.
In her remarks, the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah commended the Katsina State Government for providing counterpart funding, which contributed significantly to the successful implementation of the project.