Presidential panel promises rebuilding of Southern Kaduna

The Federal Government is to rebuild parts of Southern Kaduna destroyed by clashes between herdsmen and farmers in order for people to lead a meaningful life once again.

The Vice President Yemi Osinbajo-led Presidential Committee on Herdsmen-Farmers Clashes dropped the hint yesterday in Kafanchan during a tour of the affected communities.

The settlements to be visited by the panel include Ninte, Ungwan Ajo, Golkofa, Godogodo, Dogon Fili, Gadabiyu, Anton, Pasakori, Kario, Dalle, Asso, Goska, and Dangoma, all in Jema’a council area.

The itinerary also captures Tachira, Tsonje, Adu, Tafan, Kukum Daji, Kukum Gida, Agban, A. A Abbas Filling Station, Takad, Garaje, Ashim, Mifi and Zilan in Takad chiefdom of Kaura Local Council.

In Zangon Kataf council area, communities to play host to the presidential panel are Samaru Kataf, Katsit and Zonkwa while in Kauru local council, it would be the turn of Ungwan Magaji, Ungwan Rimi, Kaziti, Kigbeni and Kigam communities to receive the visitors.

Leader of the committee and Executive Director at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), James Akujobi, later told newsmen that the team was in the state for an on-the-spot assessment of the area with a view to evaluating the ruins.

“It is the intention of the government that all those affected by the conflicts were rehabilitated by way of rebuilding the structures destroyed so that they can come back to their homes and continue with their normal lives,” he said.

Akujobi assured the people that government would expedite action in ensuring that members of the affected communities, especially farmers, resume activities in good time.

The Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Ben Kure, noted that his organisation was providing the necessary assistance to the committee to achieve its mandate within the stipulated time.

He said: “As a host agency, SEMA is playing the role of providing the needed logistics that would make the work of the visiting team easier to arrive at a comprehensive assessment of the affected locations.”

The Tum Ninkyob (traditional ruler of Kaninkon chiefdom) in Bakin Kogi council area, expressed joy at the development, noting that his community had been praying for this and the people could not wait any longer to see succour come their way.

“It has not been easy with the victims even though some were already making plans to rebuild their structures,” the monarch added.