Catholic diocese empowers farmers, former bandits in Benue community
The Catholic Diocese of Katsina-Ala in Nigeria’s Benue State has initiated an empowerment programme aimed at providing an alternative to crime and violence for farmers and former bandits, promoting sustainable
The Catholic Diocese of Katsina-Ala in Nigeria's Benue State has initiated an empowerment programme aimed at providing an alternative to crime and violence for farmers and former bandits, promoting sustainable livelihoods and reducing insecurity.
Bishop Isaac Bundepuun Dugu of the Katsina-Ala Diocese stated that the initiative, undertaken in partnership with the Foundation for Justice, Development and Peace Commission and the UK-supported SPRING Project, was inspired by Christ's mission to cater to both the spiritual and material needs of people.
Read Also: Akpabio urges South-East to sustain peace, reject armed struggle against Nigeria
The bishop explained that economic empowerment is a crucial means of mitigating insecurity in communities plagued by banditry, kidnapping, and violence.
"We are empowering farmers to provide an alternative to crime and violence. Some beneficiaries were repentant bandits who can now return to farming and earn a living in a dignified manner," he said.
The programme aims to restore dignity, promote food security, and contribute to the well-being of individuals who had been reduced to begging and dependence. Beneficiaries received improved agricultural inputs, vocational training, and startup kits for small businesses.
The Diocese worked closely with traditional rulers and community leaders to select 150 beneficiaries from three local government areas.
Bishop Dugu called on government agencies and faith-based organisations to replicate similar initiatives, emphasising fairness in the distribution of empowerment funds, and encouraged other dioceses to partner with the SPRING Project.
