Residents Demand Military Base As Bandits Displace Kaduna Communities

Residents of Kauru Local Government Area in Kaduna State have appealed to the federal and state governments to establish a military base in their communities following the displacement of villagers from about 39 settlements due to persistent bandit attacks.

The affected residents said the worsening insecurity has forced the closure of mosques and churches, while lives have been lost and property destroyed in repeated assaults.

Speaking at a press briefing in Kaduna, a cleric, Reverend Musa Hassan Shedari, who led a delegation of community leaders, listed some of the affected communities as Unguwar Isa, Hayin Pastor, Gidan Kunkun, Sabon Layi and Dutsen Yelwa.

Others include Randa, Kabari, Unguwar Ganye and Kadage, among several others.

According to him, all the listed communities have been impacted, with residents displaced from their homes.

Shedari noted that those affected cut across ethnic and religious lines, including Hausa and Fulani communities, as well as both Muslims and Christians.

“About 39 communities have so far been displaced. We are all affected, and we are pleading with the federal and state governments to come to our aid by establishing a military base in the area so that we can return to our homes and farms and continue living peacefully as we used to,” he said.

He added that many of the displaced persons are currently taking refuge in Saminaka, Zaria and Kauru town. He also lamented the financial burden on residents, noting that families have paid millions of naira in ransom to secure the release of abducted loved ones.

Another community leader, Ibrahim Hore from Kadage village, recounted his personal ordeal, stating that two of his children were abducted and released only after he paid about N4 million as ransom.

He expressed concern over the persistent threat faced by farmers, saying many now live in fear as bandits continue to operate freely in the area.

Hore added that his family has since fled the village due to insecurity, particularly his sons, while many other residents have also relocated.

He noted that only a few villagers remain, continuing farming activities despite the risks.