World · Africa · 3 hrs ago
Attacks push Kaduna residents from homes and drive up city rents
Repeated kidnappings and attacks are driving residents from communities outside Kaduna into areas they consider safer within the city.
Some homeowners have left properties they spent years building, while others are trying to sell at prices they consider too low.
Rents have risen as more people seek homes in the city; some three-bedroom apartments along Gwamna Road now cost 3 million to 3.5 million naira, up from 1.2 million to 1.5 million.
These newer communities had offered lower-income residents a way to buy land and build homes gradually.
The violence is putting those investments at risk and adding pressure to Nigeria’s already large housing shortage.
Recent incidents include the abduction of a couple and their six-month-old daughter in Millennium City on 6 October; the sources give no further details on what happens next.
Repeated attacks and kidnappings on the outskirts of Kaduna are pushing residents to leave their homes and rent in the city.
The movement is increasing demand for accommodation and driving up rents in parts of Kaduna metropolis.
Some displaced homeowners are leaving properties empty or selling them at prices they consider unfavourable.
Residents and security sources cite abductions and the vulnerability of scattered, poorly secured communities near forested areas.
- Who
- Residents of communities on the outskirts of Kaduna, including homeowners fleeing attacks.
- What
- Attacks are prompting people to relocate to the city, increasing demand for rentals and raising rents.
- When
- The article was published on 13 October 2026; it also reports an abduction on 6 October.
- Where
- Communities including Baban Saura, Danhon II and Millennium City, and rental areas within Kaduna metropolis.
- Why
- Residents fear kidnapping and ransom demands; the article also cites scattered housing, inadequate fencing, limited security posts and nearby forested areas.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Yakubu Dahiru said he had not returned home since an attack on his community.
Two journalists were kidnapped in Millennium City and neighbouring areas.
A couple and their six-month-old daughter were abducted from Alrahus Estate in Millennium City.
Premium Times published a report on residents leaving homes and rising rents.
- Rent in Gwamna Road
- Three-bedroom apartments rose from N1.2 million–N1.5 million to N3 million–N3.5 million
- Yakubu Dahiru's rent
- N600,000 for a self-contained apartment
- Reported abduction
- A couple and their six-month-old daughter were taken from Alrahus Estate on 6 October
- National housing deficit estimate
- 17 million units
- Annual housing requirement estimate
- About 700,000 units over 20 years
What people are saying
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
With the security situation in the area, the price I am being offered is not very encouraging, and I could not leave my family there knowing the place is unsafe
Sources
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