Insecurity forces Kaduna residents from homes, triggers rent hikes

Repeated kidnappings and attacks on the outskirts of Kaduna have driven residents to abandon their homes for rented apartments in the city, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). The rise in rents is threatening low-income homeowners' investments. Residents like Yakubu Dahiru, who rented a self-contained apartment for N600,000, expressed concerns about the escalating costs due to the housing crisis.

Dahiru abandoned his home in Danhon II community after the 2021 attacks and fears being abducted, which led him to choose renting over staying in his unsafe neighborhood. The increasing number of abandoned properties in new layouts across Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Chikun, and Igabi Local Government Areas is exacerbating the housing problem.

Estate surveyor Umar Mohammed explained that the opening of Eastern Bypass encouraged the growth of these affordable homeownership opportunities, but insecurity has forced homeowners to sell their properties at unfavorable prices or leave them unoccupied. The displacement has also increased demand for accommodation in Kaduna metropolis, with rents for three-bedroom apartments soaring from N1.2 million to N3.5 million.

Security sources revealed that the scattered houses in new layouts, inadequate fencing, and proximity to forests make these communities vulnerable to attacks. Recently, kidnappers abducted a couple and their six-month-old daughter from Alrahus Estate, demanding a N300 million ransom. Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Command arrested 12 suspects, including kidnappers and informants, during operations in Millennium City and Maraban Rido.

Security experts urge the government to implement neighborhood watch initiatives and strengthen collaboration between security agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders to tackle the growing displacement crisis resulting from the insecurity.