HURIWA praises Uba Sani for recovering land in Kaduna State

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has praised Governor Uba Sani for recovering over 500,000 hectares of farmland that bandits previously controlled in Kaduna State.

HURIWA called this a big step for security, humanitarian needs, and the economy. It can help restore the lives of many residents who were displaced by insecurity.

In a statement released on Tuesday by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, the group said this recovery shows how important it is to give back access to communities and farmlands affected by banditry.

The association noted that this achievement is not just a number but also a chance to bring back the rights, dignity, and economic freedom of citizens who could not reach their homes and ancestral lands.

HURIWA acknowledged the work of the Kaduna State Government and security forces for improving security, which allowed farmers to go back to their farmlands.

The statement highlighted that recovering agricultural land is key to the state’s food security and economic recovery. Farming gives jobs and income to many rural families.

“When armed groups take over rural areas and stop rightful residents from reaching their homes, farms, and ancestral lands, the fallout is much bigger than just physical displacement,” HURIWA said.

The association pointed out that such takeovers ruin livelihoods, disrupt food production, weaken local economies, keep children from school, and break up families.

While applauding Governor Uba Sani, the group also asked him to keep this progress going by making sure that the recovered areas and farmlands are returned to their rightful owners.

They called for a clear “recover, restore and rebuild” plan to find displaced owners, document ownership claims, and help affected residents return safely and with dignity.

HURIWA urged the state government to make sure returning communities have enough security, roads, schools, healthcare, water, electricity, and other basic needs.

“Reclaiming land without rebuilding the social and economic structures of affected communities could leave residents at risk of being displaced again,” the group advised.

The association also called for special help for farmers who lost productive years due to insecurity. This includes access to farming tools, credit, equipment, and support services.

They urged the government to strengthen community early-warning systems and involve traditional leaders, religious groups, youth organizations, women’s groups, farmers’ associations, and displaced persons in peace efforts.

“Real peace cannot come from military actions alone. It needs ongoing dialogue, justice, reconciliation, community trust, economic recovery, and a fair way to settle disputes before they turn violent,” HURIWA said.

The group also urged security agencies to find, arrest, and prosecute offenders according to the law.

HURIWA appealed to the Federal Government for better intelligence, equipment, and personnel to stop bandits and terrorists from regrouping.

HURIWA said the recovery of the farmland was “a significant start,” stressing that true success will be when displaced residents can go home, farm, send their kids to school, and run their businesses without fear.

The statement further urged Governor Uba Sani to maintain security gains until the recovered areas are truly safe and affected residents can rebuild their lives with dignity.