In a remarkable turn of events, a woman in Katsina State has succeeded in convincing her husband, a notorious bandit, to abandon his life of crime.
This inspiring story unfolded during a feedback session organised by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), part of a peacebuilding initiative aimed at reducing violence and promoting community-driven peace in the North-West region.
The programme, supported by the European Union (EU) and implemented by CDD, Mercy Corps, and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), focuses on fostering peace and mitigating conflict in areas severely affected by banditry, particularly in Batsari, Kankara, Jibia, and Danmusa local government areas of Katsina State.Rahila Lawal, a key woman leader in the programme, shared the touching story during the session.
According to Rahila, an unnamed woman, who remains anonymous for safety reasons, managed to convince her husband to renounce his criminal lifestyle through the power of love. The woman, having attended peace initiative meetings, was deeply moved by the discussions on the impact of banditry on communities. Concerned about her husband’s involvement, she sought advice on how to approach him and help him see the error of his ways. With guidance from Rahila and other members of the programme, the woman persistently appealed to her husband’s emotions and their shared bond. Her determination ultimately paid off, and the man chose to leave behind banditry, unwilling to jeopardise his relationship with his wife.
The session also featured other stories of resilience, including that of Amadu Lawal, a participant in the peace initiative. Amadu recounted his traumatic experience of being detained by the Community Watch Corps (CWC) on suspicion of aiding a friend involved in banditry in Yantumaki, Danmusa. Held for 12 days, Amadu feared for his life, but with the intervention of peace initiative stakeholders, he was eventually released. His family, who had feared the worst, were overjoyed by his safe return.
