Fresh bandits’ attacks claim three lives in Kano border communities

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

Fresh attacks by bandits have claimed three lives at Shanono and Tsanyanwa Local Government Areas of Kano State.

Our Correspondent reports that Katsina-based bandits have been unleashing terror at Kano border communities in recent times.

An impeccable source from one of the attacked communities in Tsanyanwa Local Government Area who does not want his name mentioned, said the bandits who came in large numbers from neighbouring Katsina State, invaded Yanganau village in Tsanyanwa, and launched previous attack, though they were confronted by security agencies.

According to the source, “after a failed attempt in Tsanyanwa, the bandits launched an attack on Shanono where they killed three people.

“The bandits came from Kogari in Musawa/Matazu Local Government Area in Katsina State. Security agencies were notified on time since around 5:30 pm. As God will have it, they fled after several gunshots into the air by the security agencies. They fled the community without killing or kidnapping anybody. They didn’t also rustle any livestock.

“They fled Yanganau village and moved to Yar Tsamiya in Faruruwa ward under Shanono Local Government Area where they launched another attack and killed three persons. They also went away with three persons. It was in the middle of the night, around 1:30 a.m.”

Also, a resident of Kuraku village under Faruruwa community in Shanono Local Government Area, Prof. Muhammed Dauda, said the bandits attacked places like Unguwar Tsamiya, Yaudari and Yanganau, “killing some people, while some were kidnapped including females.”

Prof. Dauda said the attacks continued despite the presence of security personnel deployed to the area.

He added: “Issues of this banditry is escalating beyond comprehension in Goron Dutse, Makama, Tsaure areas beside Faruruwa. Of course, the Federal Government has taken action and sent troops but it’s still not helping matters; it’s like we are inviting them the more.

“We thought the presence of soldiers, civil defence and other paramilitary and JTF would solve the issue but it’s still there, it’s like we are challenging them. As I am talking to you, in the last three days we have suffered attacks in places like Unguwar Tsamiya, Yaudari and Yan Ganau. People have been killed and some were taken including females.

“All our people are now sleeping somewhere else for fear of attack, they have abandoned their houses. We that are in the urban centre cannot go home.

“We are hereby still urging the president and the new leadership of the military command to look critically into the issues again and secure these border communities with Katsina.

“Gwarzo, Tsanyawa are in serious danger because of their proximity to Katsina. Kano State Governor should also take this matter seriously. He must ensure that his borders are blocked and secure. If urgent action is not taken they will eventually penetrate Kano.”

Before the latest attacks, our Correspondent had reported that residents of Shanono Local Government Area, cried out over persistent infiltration and operation of Katsina-based bandits in their communities, a situation which has hampered social and economic activities in the area.

Some communities in Shanono share borders with Katsina state, where bandits infiltrate Kano through bush parts, using motorcycles.

Farmers in the communities complain of persistent attacks by bandits, who also invade villages and attack hapless residents, kidnapping people and stealing their belongings.

They appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to take urgent steps in saving lives and property of people in the area.

The Chairman, Faruruwa and Neighbourhood Security Committee in Shanono Local Government Area, Yahaya Bagobiri, told journalists that the situation has continued to degenerate as security operatives, including the police and the army have not deployed enough manpower to dislodge the visiting bandits.

Bagobiri said the spate of attacks by bandits in Faruruwa and neighbouring communities are worsening by the day.

According to him, residents of the affected communities have been living in fear due to the persistent attacks by bandits coming from Katsina state and other neighbouring states since 2022.

He said: “We have been facing serious security challenges since 2022. Bandits, coming from Katsina and neighbouring areas, have been attacking us and nearby communities. That is why we are here to brief the press and draw the attention of the government to our plight.”

Bagobiri revealed that several lives have been lost, while properties, including livestock such as cows, goats, and rams, have been stolen by the bandits.

“At least 1,600 cows have been rustled, and several machines and motorcycles carted away,” he added.

He listed the communities mostly affected to include Faruruwa, Kuraku, Goron-Dutse, Tsaure, and Yan-Shado, adding that the residents of some border communities in neighbouring Tsanyawa axis have fled their homes due to consistent attacks.

According to him, the bandits, who often move in large numbers on motorcycles, attack at any time of the day, armed with sophisticated weapons.

“Just two days ago, they invaded our area with about 50 motorcycles, each carrying three persons, about 150 attackers killing people and stealing animals,” he added.

He further expressed concern over the inadequate manpower of the Joint Task Force (JTF) deployed to the area, noting that the team comprised fewer than 15 personnel, which he described as grossly inadequate to cover the vast terrain, wondering, “how can 10 or 15 people confront over 150 armed men?”

According to him, even with the visit of Kano state Commissioner of Police to assess the security situation in the area two months ago, the bandits have continued to have a field day.

He also acknowledged the visit of the Army Commander to the area few days ago, but insisted that urgent steps must be taken by the state and Federal Government to save lives and property in the affected communities.

Bagobiri further revealed that some victims have been forced to pay ransoms to secure the release of kidnapped family members.

“For instance, one of our residents, Alhaji Haruna Gatali, paid ₦15 million to secure the release of his wife. We sincerely hope the authorities will act quickly to restore peace and security to our communities,” he added.