By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The recent surge in banditry and terrorism in Kaduna State has led to an exodus of residents from affected areas to the metropolis, driven by fear of attacks and kidnapping.
The worst hit are owners and occupiers of personal houses built by families and retirees on the outskirts, who are forced to vacate their homes due to the escalating news of kidnapping.
Areas most affected include Gonin Gora by Abuja road, Romi, Sabon Tasha GRA, Ibrahim Yakowa road (new road), Maraban Rico outskirts, and environments.
Housing agents report a significant increase in demand for accommodation in safer areas within the town.
According to Kasham Samuel, a house agent at Television village, Kaduna, “Accommodation which was previously scarce has bounced back fully, with both tenants and landlords vacating their residences to seek safer areas inside town.”
The economic hardship faced by families has also led to an increase in child street hawking.
Our correspondent observed that from dawn till dusk, streets, roads, and motor parks are filled with underage children hawking various items, exposing them to dangers and risks.
The economic hardship faced by families has also led to an increase in child street hawking.
While some residents attribute the increase to school vacations, many families blame the hardship caused by hyperinflation, making it difficult to provide two square meals daily, leading some children to volunteer for hawking.