Fear of abduction forces Kaduna landlords to become tenants, triggers housing crisis

Residents of several communities on the outskirts of Kaduna metropolis are abandoning their homes following repeated kidnappings and attacks, triggering sharp increases in accommodation costs.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), as reported by Daily Trust, homeowners in Baban Saura, Danhon II and Millennium City are relocating to safer neighbourhoods despite owning properties.

One resident, Yakubu Dahiru, said he rented an apartment for ₦600,000 after abandoning his home.

“The insecurity is no longer in the villages; the bandits are coming closer to us, and it is better to leave than to be abducted and then forced to sell the house to pay ransom,” he said.

Estate agents reported that rents for three-bedroom apartments had risen from ₦1.5 million to ₦3.5 million.

Recent attacks included the abduction of a couple and their six-month-old daughter on October 6.

Meanwhile, Kaduna police announced the arrest of 12 suspects, including eight suspected kidnappers, as authorities intensified security operations.