Vice-President Kashim Shettima has inaugurated houses constructed by the federal government in Tudun Biri village in Kaduna under the resettlement scheme for persons impacted by conflicts in the state.
In December 2023, a military drone on a routine counterterrorism operation mistakenly struck the community, killing more than 100 people who were celebrating Maulud, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad.
Many others were injured, while homes and properties were destroyed.
Following the incident, President Bola Tinubu flagged off the reconstruction of the community in July 2024.
Speaking at the ceremony on Friday, Shettima said the project symbolises the federal government’s commitment to justice, compassion and national cohesion.
The vice-president described the scheme as a vehicle of hope for families whose lives were disrupted by the incident.
“The reconstruction of the community is an assurance of our collective belief that fairness is the glue that holds a nation together, and compassion is not a weakness of the state but its moral strength,” he said.
“It is a practical assurance that the Nigerian state does not abandon its citizens in times of adversity.”
Shettima said the rehabilitation scheme was aimed at delivering durable recovery and resettlement for communities affected by conflict.
“Under this programme, similar resettlement and recovery projects are underway across Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Niger, Katsina, and Benue states,” he said.
“The project reflects a coordinated national response to internal displacement, one that prioritises durable solutions, community resilience, and the restoration of dignity to Nigerians affected by conflict and insecurity.”
The vice-president commended Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna, for his administration’s partnership and inclusive approach to governance.
He noted that the success of such initiatives depends on cooperation among the federal government, state authorities, host communities and development partners.
In his remarks, Sani thanked Tinubu for selecting Tudun Biri as the first beneficiary of the resettlement scheme for persons impacted by conflicts.
He said the construction of houses, a six-kilometre road, a primary healthcare centre and a skills acquisition centre in the community represents an integrated development model.
According to the governor, the scheme has demonstrated that “peace is sustained not only through security measures but also through development, inclusion, and economic opportunity”.
“The initiative has moved beyond temporary relief to comprehensive reconstruction, delivering modern homes supported by essential social infrastructure designed for safe and sustainable living,” he added.
Sani noted that the state government played a central role in the reconstruction process, from the immediate aftermath of the tragedy to the completion of the projects.
He said his administration constructed a six-kilometre asphalt road linking the community to the Kaduna International Airport corridor.
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