President Bola Tinubu on Friday inaugurated the reconstruction of Tudun-Biri village, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, following a tragic accidental bombing in December that claimed over 100 lives.
Vice President Kashim Shettima performed the groundbreaking under the National Resettlement Scheme for Persons Impacted by Conflicts, representing President Tinubu.
The December 3, 2023, bombing by the Nigerian Army resulted in significant loss of life and numerous injuries, with many of the injured succumbing later at Barau Dikko Specialist Hospital in Kaduna.
Over six months later, the federal government has initiated measures to aid the affected community.
In March 2024, the state government began constructing a 5.5-kilometer asphalt road linking Tudun-Biri village to Kaduna International Airport.
Additionally, the government has committed to building a Skills Acquisition Centre and a Modern Primary Healthcare Centre to benefit both Tudun-Biri and neighboring villages affected by the incident.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, President Tinubu, through Vice President Shettima, urged Nigerians to unite against threats undermining the nation’s well-being. He emphasized that fear had long held Nigerians hostage, allowing preventable incidents to escalate, and declared, “Enough is enough.”
President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s security infrastructure and promoting peace.
The resettlement scheme, aimed at conflict-affected communities in Kaduna, Katsina, Benue, Niger, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi, is a testament to the survivors’ courage and a signal of renewed optimism.
“Today marks the fulfillment of a solemn promise. We are here to ensure the safety of each Nigerian, restoring dignity and security to those whose lives have been disrupted by conflict,” President Tinubu stated.
He explained that the Resettlement Scheme for Persons Impacted By Conflict (RSPIC) is a timely intervention to construct residences, roads, schools, and essential facilities for conflict victims, offering them a dignified environment to live and dream.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani thanked the President for selecting Tudun-Biri for the groundbreaking ceremony, recognizing it as a demonstration of the President’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of the Tudun-Biri people and the vulnerable population.
Governor Sani highlighted the importance of decent accommodation and essential infrastructure in preserving human dignity.
The governor also revealed that N250 million, donated by individuals, public and private institutions, had been disbursed to the victims of the December 3 drone attack. He urged those who had not yet fulfilled their donation pledges to do so.
Governor Sani further explained that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) would construct four Resettlement Communities in Igabi, Ikara, Giwa, and Kauru LGAs for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by banditry.
These communities will include houses, hospitals, and schools to help victims restart their lives.
The Kaduna State Government has allocated land for these projects, with land title documents perfected by the Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS).
NEMA Director General Zubaida Umar expressed that the project represents a commitment to restoring dignity, rebuilding lives, and fostering a sense of shared community.
“Today marks a pivotal moment in our collective determination to turn the tide of suffering into a tide of opportunity and renewal,” she said.
The ceremony symbolizes a new chapter where unity rebuilds what has been broken, heals what has been wounded, and creates a brighter future for all who have borne the burden of conflict and displacement.
