nikki's Blog

We were pleased to catch up online with some familiar ‘faces’ at the UK-Nigeria team meeting this week. However it was clear from our discussion that although the post-electoral violence in Kaduna State has subsided - helped by the continued presence of soldiers - things were still not back to normal. It became evident that in the wake of the destruction there is much rebuilding to be done, both physically and emotionally. On the physical side, many buildings and homes were destroyed. In previous blogs you can read about the destruction of the vibrant Kafanchan market and the emergence of...

Ever since since news of the outbreak of violence in Kafanchan reached the UK, the weekly UK-Nigeria team meetings have been a source of apprehension rather than the customary excitement. Will someone there be able to join us online? What news will there be? Has anyone else been hurt or left homeless amid the unrest? All these thoughts occupy our minds as we prepare for the regular sessions - so we were naturally delighted that three members of the Nigeria team were able to join us last week. It also came as a great relief to hear Comfort reassure us...

BLOODY post-election violence in rural Kafanchan, Nigeria, has sadly resulted in hundreds of casualties and the senseless destruction of the area’s vital market. With lives on the line and a humanitarian crisis gripping the region, a new initiative is being launched to salvage hope and lasting peace from this catastrophe. This long-term vision, a joint enterprise involving John Dada of Nigeria’s Fantsuam Foundation and Pamela McLean of Dadamac UK, revolves around rebuilding the shattered market under the new title of the Kafanchan Peace Market. It is hoped this will quickly revitalise the fragile local economy, restore reliable food supplies, create...

I received this email from John Dada - which tells the human stories of the post - election violence in Kafanchan and the need for on-going humanitarian support. " I am writing to thank you all for your phone calls and emails when you heard of the outbreak of post-election violence in Kafanchan. The violence was ferocious and widespread from the night of 19 th April. The Fantsuam Foundation compound was home for over 200 displaced persons, assisting them with basic shelter, food and clothing. Our Health Centre services were in high demand because the Kafanchan General Hospital was shut...

Worrying news from John Dada and Fantsuam Foundation reached us on Tuesday. John had written: “We were woken by heavy gun fire and have been up since 10pm Monday. My house is now a refugee camp from people fleeing fighting inside Kafanchan. "