02/05/2026
Catholic Church turns thieves to Farmers
To curb violence and insecurity in Benue State, Nigeria’s Catholic Diocese of Katsina-Ala has launched an empowerment initiative targeting farmers and even former bandits, offering them a path away from crime and toward sustainable livelihoods.
In an interview with ACI Africa on the sidelines of the empowerment initiative for 150 beneficiaries, Bishop Isaac Bundepuun Dugu said the initiative, carried out in partnership with the Foundation for Justice, Development and Peace Commission and the UK-supported SPRING Project, was inspired by the gospel mission of Christ, who cared for both the spiritual and material needs of people.
“We are empowering farmers to provide an alternative to crime and violence. Some of those who benefited from this empowerment were repentant bandits. They cannot go back to the bush anymore to carry guns because of the empowerment we have given to them. They will now return to the farms and earn a living in a dignified and decent way,” Bishop Dugu said.
The Nigerian Catholic Bishop noted that economic empowerment remains one of the most effective ways of reducing insecurity in communities plagued by banditry, kidnapping, and violence.
He said some of the beneficiaries were formerly involved in criminal activities but had now embraced peace and lawful means of survival.
“Those who were in the bushes carrying guns, kidnapping, and molesting people now have another means of livelihood. Instead of violence, they can farm and feed their families,” the Nigerian Catholic Bishop said.
Bishop Dugu added that the programme would also contribute to food production at a time when many Nigerians face rising food insecurity.
“We hope this will boost food security and also improve the value of our existence here,” he stated.
Beyond economic gains, Bishop Dugu said the initiative was designed to restore the dignity of people who had been reduced to begging and dependence.
“When an adult goes about begging, it derogates human dignity. With this support, they will go back as people who are respected, empowered, and able to fend for themselves,” he said.
The Catholic Bishop explained that beneficiaries would now be better placed to pay school fees for their children, seek healthcare when ill, and contribute positively to their communities.
The 54-year-old Catholic Bishop further said that the Diocese was motivated by the example of Jesus Christ, who not only preached repentance but also identified with humanity's suffering.
“Jesus Christ empathized with people’s condition. He did not only sympathize with them. That is the inspiration behind this programme,” he said.
Bishop Dugu noted that widespread poverty in the region compelled the Diocese to seek practical interventions capable of restoring hope and livelihoods.
According to the Bishop, the beneficiaries received improved seeds, fertiliser, seedlings, livestock, farming tools, and vocational start-up kits for small businesses such as soap and petroleum jelly production.
The Local Ordinary of Katsina-Ala Diocese explained that the 150 beneficiaries were carefully selected from the three local government areas that make up the Sankara axis—Katsina-Ala, Ukum, and Logo.
He disclosed that the Diocese worked closely with traditional rulers and community leaders to identify those most in need.
Bishop Dugu, who also serves as Chairman of the Pastoral Agents Department of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), revealed that the empowerment of 150 persons was only one component of the wider SPRING Project being implemented in the Diocese.
Bishop Dugu called on government agencies and other faith-based organisations to replicate similar initiatives and ensure fairness in the distribution of empowerment funds.
“They should not play politics with these funds; they should not call only their uncles, cousins and relations. These programmes are meant especially for the poor and those at the margins of society,” he said.
The Nigerian Bishop also encouraged other Dioceses and organisations in North Central Nigeria to partner with the SPRING Project and adopt similar community-based empowerment models.
“What we are doing in Katsina-Ala Diocese can be replicated elsewhere,” Bishop Dugu said.
https://www.aciafrica.org/news/21515/former-bandits-in-nigeria-empowered-in-catholic-dioceses-project-to-curb-violence-in-benue-state.
Catholic Christians
Popes and Catholic Church
Clean Bandit
Thievery Corporation
