Residents of 13 villages in the southern part of Kebbi have finally returned home after years of turmoil caused by bandit attacks, signaling a restoration of peace in the area.
The long-suffering communities of Sawade, Bakin Gulunbi, Mai Kpanu, Malekachi, Sakawa, Sabongida, Kauran mai Zanma, Luga, Angela Kibiya, Angela Dado, Tsirinda, Kasama, and Ma’ako are now witnessing the hopeful sight of their people returning to rebuild their lives.
This significant development was disclosed by Ahmed Idris, the media aide to Governor Nasir Idris, in a statement released on Monday in Birnin Kebbi.
The chairman of Danko Wasagu Local Government Area, Aliyu Hussaini-Bena, confirmed the heartening news of the villagers’ return, expressing gratitude for the restoration of normalcy in the affected communities. He commended the efforts of the governor and security agencies in ensuring the safe return of the displaced people and providing much-needed security in the regions.
He was quoted saying, “All the villagers who were forcibly displaced from their homes over the past three years have now been resettled and have resumed their daily activities.”
Mr. Hussaini-Bena also lauded the unwavering determination of the security agencies in completely eradicating the bandit menace, expressing delight in the newfound sense of safety and security prevalent in the region. “Previously, none of our people could sleep; none could go to the markets, and nobody was going to the farm. Now, even villages in neighboring Niger and Zamfara states are reaping the benefits of the restored security in Kebbi,” he affirmed.
In another heartening aspect of recovery, Mr. Idris highlighted the reopening of the Bena Market, which is the highest contributor to the internally-generated revenue in Kebbi, signifying a return to economic normalcy in the region.
Highlighting the extent of the devastation caused by the bandit attacks, Mr. Hussaini-Bena revealed, “Bandits wreaked havoc in the southern part of Kebbi over the past four years, burning down houses and destroying property worth millions of Naira.”
He further explained that the insecurity challenges were not limited to Kebbi alone, as neighboring areas such as Danko Wasagu, Sakaba, and Fakai Local Government Areas in Zuru Emirate had also been embroiled in similar turmoil. However, there is a glimmer of hope now, with people courageously returning to rebuild their lives in these areas as well.
Mr. Hussaini-Bena emphasized the significant number of refugees in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area, owing to its proximity to the troubled borders shared with Zamfara and Niger.
As the resilient people of these communities strive to rebuild their lives, the return to normalcy signifies a triumph over adversity and a hopeful step towards lasting peace and prosperity. It is a testament to their unyielding spirit and the concerted efforts of the government and security forces in reclaiming the once troubled lands.
NAN
