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

HURIWA described the development as a major security, humanitarian and economic milestone, capable of restoring the livelihoods of thousands of residents displaced by insecurity.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, the association said the recovery demonstrates the importance of restoring access to communities and farmlands affected by banditry.

The association said the achievement is not only a security statistic but also an opportunity to restore the rights, dignity and economic independence of citizens who were unable to access their homes and ancestral lands.

HURIWA recognised the efforts of the Kaduna State government and security agencies in improving security conditions, enabling farmers to return to their farmlands.

The statement said recovering agricultural land is important to the state’s food security and economic recovery because farming provides employment and income for thousands of rural households.

“When armed groups occupy rural communities and prevent legitimate residents from accessing their homes, farms and ancestral lands, the consequences go far beyond physical displacement,” HURIWA said.

According to the association, such occupation destroyed livelihoods, disrupted food production, weakened local economies, deprived children of education and separated families.

While commending Governor Sani, the association also urged him to sustain the momentum by ensuring that the recovered communities and farmlands are fully restored to their legitimate owners.

It called for a comprehensive “recover, restore and rebuild” programme to identify displaced owners, document and verify ownership claims and facilitate the safe and dignified return of affected residents.”

HURIWA also urged the state government to provide returning communities with adequate security, roads, schools, healthcare facilities, water, electricity and other basic amenities.

“Reclaiming territory without rebuilding the social and economic infrastructure of affected communities could leave residents vulnerable to renewed displacement,” it added.

The association further called for special support for farmers whose productive years have been lost to insecurity, including access to agricultural inputs, credit, equipment and extension services.

The statement also urged the government to strengthen community-based early-warning mechanisms and involve traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations, women’s groups, farmers’ associations and displaced persons in peacebuilding efforts.

“Lasting peace cannot be achieved through military operations alone. It requires sustained dialogue, justice, reconciliation, community trust, economic recovery and a credible system for resolving disputes before they become violent,” HURIWA said.

The association also urged security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute perpetrators in accordance with the law.

The human rights writers also appealed to the federal government to provide states with adequate intelligence, equipment and personnel to prevent bandits and terrorists from regrouping.

HURIWA said the reported recovery of the farmland was “an important beginning,” stressing that the ultimate measure of success would be displaced residents’ ability to return home, farm, send their children to school, and conduct their businesses without fear.

The association further urged Mr Sani to sustain the security gains until recovered communities are genuinely secure and affected residents can rebuild their lives with dignity.