Banditry: HURIWA Hails Uba Sani On Land Recovery

HURIWA, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, praised Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State for recovering over 500,000 hectares of farmland previously controlled by bandits. The recovery is seen as a significant security, humanitarian, and economic milestone that can restore livelihoods for thousands of displaced residents.

In a statement, HURIWA's National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, highlighted the importance of restoring access to communities and farmlands affected by banditry. The association recognized the efforts of the state government and security agencies in improving security conditions, enabling farmers to return to their lands.

Farming is crucial for the state's food security and economic recovery, providing employment and income for many rural households. HURIWA emphasized that occupation by armed groups has far-reaching consequences beyond physical displacement, including the destruction of livelihoods, disruption of food production, weakening of local economies, denial of education to children, and family separation.

The association urged Governor Sani to sustain his momentum by fully restoring recovered communities and farmlands to their legitimate owners. They called for a comprehensive "recover, restore and rebuild" program to identify displaced owners, document and verify claims, and facilitate safe and dignified returns. Special support for farmers who have lost productive years due to insecurity, such as access to agricultural inputs, credit, equipment, and extension services, was also emphasized.

HURIWA stressed that lasting peace requires more than military operations, including sustained dialogue, justice, reconciliation, community trust, economic recovery, and a credible dispute resolution system. They urged the government to strengthen community-based early-warning mechanisms and involve various stakeholders in peacebuilding efforts.

The association also called for security agencies to identify, arrest, and prosecute perpetrators according to the law. The reported recovery of farmland is seen as an important beginning, with the ultimate success measured by the ability of displaced residents to return home safely, farm, send their children to school, and conduct businesses without fear.

Governor Uba Sani is urged to maintain security gains until the communities are fully secure and residents can rebuild their lives with dignity.