In a remarkable tale of love and redemption, a woman in Katsina State has achieved the extraordinary by convincing her husband, a notorious bandit, to renounce his life of crime.
This heartwarming development was recorded during a feedback session organised by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) as part of a peacebuilding programme in the North-West region.
The initiative, supported by the European Union (EU) and implemented by CDD, Mercy Corps, and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), seeks to reduce violence, foster community-driven peace efforts, and mitigate conflicts in the North-West. The pilot project is focused on communities in Batsari, Kankara, Jibia, and Danmusa local government areas of the State.
During the session, Rahila Lawal, a woman leader involved in the programme, shared the inspiring story. She revealed that a married woman, whose identity remained anonymous for safety reasons, managed to persuade her husband to leave banditry because of the deep love he has for her.
The woman had been invited to peace initiative meetings and was moved by the discussions about the impact of banditry on communities. Troubled by her husband’s involvement, she sought guidance from the group on how to approach him.
With the support of Rahila and others in the initiative, the woman carefully counselled her husband, appealing to his emotions and their bond. Her persistence paid off, and the man ultimately decided to abandon his life of crime, unwilling to risk losing his wife.
The session also highlighted other stories of resilience. Amadu Lawal, a participant in the peace initiative, recounted his harrowing experience of being detained by the Community Watch Corps (CWC).
He was accused of aiding a friend involved in banditry in Yantumaki, Danmusa local government area. Held for 12 days, Amadu feared for his life, but the intervention of stakeholders and his association with the peace initiative facilitated his release. His family, who had assumed the worst, was overjoyed by his safe return.
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