Markets were shut, and economic activities came to a halt as armed groups terrorised the region.According to a security report issued by the Kaduna State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs in 2022, 507 persons were kidnapped in Birnin Gwari alone, while 536 cattle were rustled in the local government area.Ninety-eight persons were also injured as a result of violent attacks, while 120 persons were killed within the local government area during the period under review.However, following a recent peace deal brokered between the Kaduna State Government and the bandits, a glimmer of hope has begun to emerge in the affected villages.
The return of Kara livestock market
One of the most significant indicators of peace returning to Birnin Gwari is the reopening of the Kara livestock market, which was closed for over 10 years.The market, which was a major trading hub for cattle dealers from Niger, Katsina and Zamfara states, was abandoned as insecurity worsened.The state government’s decision to reopen the market in January has been met with relief and optimism from traders and residents alike.
Ahmadu Lawali, a Fulani man popularly known as Lawali Ba Fashi, is among those celebrating the change. He said, “The last time I stepped foot in this town was seven years ago. I was always in the forest, afraid of being attacked. But now, we are here doing our business without intimidation.”
Lawali, a long-time cattle trader, described how the closure of the market devastated his livelihood.
“We give thanks to God that everything is normal now. We can now spend the night inside the town to buy and eat what we want without worry,” he said, smiling.
Now, with the market open again, he is hopeful for a better future. “Since the reopening of the market, customers are gradually coming back. We are praying that this peace deal holds so that we can completely regain our lost business.”
Also, a cattle trader from Kagara in Niger State who simply identified himself as Usman, also expressed relief, saying, “In the past, if you asked me to come to this market I would have refused because of insecurity. But today, we are here trading peacefully.”
