In a troubling revelation, the Katsina State Government has reported the closure of 123 schools and the non-functioning of 58 healthcare facilities across the state.
These disruptions are primarily attributed to the activities of bandits and criminal elements causing havoc in the region.
The Special Advisor to Governor Dikko Radda on Victims of Banditry and IDPs, Sa’idu Ibrahim Danja, disclosed this alarming information during the launch of the Project Steering Committee for the International Organization For Migration’s “Conflict Mitigation and Community Reconciliation in Northwest Nigeria.”
One of the most concerning aspects of this crisis is the severe impact on the local communities. Access to justice has deteriorated, leading to the use of multidoor courts to resolve conflicts.
The communities, particularly in local government areas like Jibia, Batsari, Danmusa, and Kankara, have been grappling with conflicts related to banditry, farmer-herder disputes, and communal conflicts.
Furthermore, the devastating effects of climate change on land and water resources have exacerbated the vulnerability of these communities.
The situation is complex, with multiple factors and stakeholders entangled in the conflict.
Recognizing the complexity of the situation, the International Organization For Migration, in collaboration with the European Union, Mercy Corps, and the Centre for Democracy and Development, has initiated a comprehensive approach.
This approach acknowledges the crucial roles of individuals, communities, and the government in fostering peaceful coexistence.
Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda officially launched the project steering committee, emphasizing the importance of resolving conflicts through negotiation, mediation, reconciliation, and traditional conflict resolution methods.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ahmed Bakori, highlighted the administration’s efforts to restore peace in the state, employing both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.
However, the challenge remains significant, especially in providing support to those who have lost their livelihoods due to ongoing conflicts.
As the region continues to grapple with these challenges, the launch of the Project Steering Committee is a crucial step towards addressing the crisis and rebuilding the affected communities.
The state government, in partnership with international organizations, aims to mitigate conflicts, provide support to victims, and restore normalcy to the troubled region.
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