Residents across several communities in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State have raised alarm over rising bandit attacks that have left many dead, abducted, and displaced.
Speaking during a press briefing on Saturday, a community representative, Adamu Haruna from Kebbe town, described the worsening situation as unbearable and life-threatening.
He warned that the failure of authorities to act swiftly could force locals to defend themselves.
“Our lives are in danger. They have taken our property, our livestock, and now they have started abducting people,” Haruna lamented.
‘We can’t farm anymore,’ villagers lament
Haruna further said that residents are being forced to abandon their livelihoods as bandits continue to loot and occupy villages.
“We’re no longer allowed to farm, and our belongings are being confiscated. People are getting desperate,” he said.
According to him, the attacks are now highly coordinated across multiple villages.
“In Dukura, a man was killed for resisting abduction. In Dalijan, bandits drove away with cattle and later ambushed animals at a local watering point,” he added.
He explained that the gunmen move through several communities, including Ingushi and Gwalli, leaving destruction behind before security forces can respond.
“People are living in fear. These criminals are threatening to stop us from harvesting our crops,” he said.
Residents count losses as towns become deserted
Another resident, Tukur Muhammadu from Fakku, said his town, which was previously safe, has now been attacked, with several people killed and more than 30 abducted.
“They’ve scattered our communities and are demanding tens of millions of naira in ransom,” he said.
He revealed that about seventeen towns in the Fakku area have been deserted due to fear of further attacks.
“We’ve appealed to the state government for help, but there has been no response,” Muhammadu lamented.
Farmers in Kucchi and surrounding villages are also afraid to return to their fields despite the ongoing harvest season.
“So far, over ten people have been confirmed dead, and more than 500 livestock rustled,” he said.
Government promises to restore peace
Reacting to the situation, the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security Matters, Ahmed Usman, confirmed the growing insecurity in the affected communities.
He, however, assured residents that the state government is taking steps to restore peace and protect lives and property.
“We are fully aware of the developments, and the government is doing everything possible to bring back peace to communities affected by banditry and other security challenges,” Usman stated.
