As part of efforts to address banditry and communal clashes in Kaduna State, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Equal Access International (Nigeria), has launched a local action plan (LAP) on the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR).
The LAP which was launched for three Kaduna local government areas of Chikun, Kajuru and Jema’a is designed to serve as a guide for government, civil society organisations, community-based organisations, religious leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders engaged in peace, security and humanitarian efforts in the areas.
At the launch, the country director of Equal Access International, Dr Ma’aji Peters, said the three selected local government areas have suffered persistent security challenges over the years, ranging from ethno-religious conflicts, farmer/herder disputes and banditry.
He said the security challenges in the areas have taken a new dimension with the proliferation of guns and small arms, hence the need to launch the local action plan to enable stakeholders tackle the challenges effectively.
“This new dimension has ultimately produced a dangerous organised gang of armed herdsmen referred to as bandits operating from the forests and engaging in kidnapping for ransom, raiding and burning of houses, raping of women and girls, armed robbery and generally terrorising and unleashing mayhem on residents of these areas,” he said.
