The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has hailed Governor Uba Sani over the recovery of more than 500,000 hectares of farmland previously controlled by bandits in Kaduna State.
HURIWA described the development as a major security, humanitarian and economic milestone, capable of restoring the livelihoods of thousands of residents displaced by insecurity.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, the association said the recovery demonstrates the importance of restoring access to communities and farmlands affected by banditry.
The association said the achievement is not only a security statistic but as an opportunity to restore the rights, dignity and economic independence of citizens who were unable to access their homes and ancestral lands.
HURIWA recognised the efforts of the Kaduna State Government and security agencies in improving security conditions that enabled farmers to return to their farmlands.
The statement said the recovery of agricultural land is important to the state’s food security and economic recovery because farming provides employment and income for thousands of rural households.
“When armed groups occupy rural communities and prevent legitimate residents from accessing their homes, farms and ancestral lands, the consequences go far beyond physical displacement,” HURIWA pointed out.
According to the association, such occupation destroyed livelihoods, disrupted food production, weakened local economies, deprived children of education and separated families.
While commending Governor Uba Sani, the association also urged him to sustain the momentum by ensuring that the recovered communities and farmlands are fully restored to their legitimate owners.
It called for a comprehensive “recover, restore and rebuild” programme to identify displaced owners, document and verify ownership claims and facilitate the safe and dignified return of affected residents.”
HURIWA also urged the state government to provide returning communities with adequate security, roads, schools, healthcare facilities, water, electricity and other basic amenities.
