Residents of some communities in Zamfara State have resorted to fleeing their homes every evening and returning only during the day.
This is happening as a fresh wave of attacks by suspected bandits in Kauran Namoda Local Government Area of the state has left at least four people dead, while 26 others were abducted.
Daily Trust learnt that the coordinated assaults, which occurred between Thursday and Saturday, targeted multiple communities.
Eyewitnesses reported that Sabon Gari village bore the brunt of the latest violence, with one woman killed and around 20 residents kidnapped.
A resident of Kauran Namoda, who requested anonymity, claimed the toll was even higher, saying four people — including a woman — were killed and 26 others abducted. Among the abductees were reportedly a man, his two wives, and their three children.
It was learnt that the attacks took place in the early hours of Saturday, between 1:00 a.m. and 2:30 a.m., despite the presence of security personnel in Kaura Namoda town.
Sources alleged that the assailants were loyalists of a notorious bandit leader, Bello Kaura, popularly known as Dan Sade, who has been linked to numerous atrocities across Kaura Namoda, Bungudu, and Maradun local government areas.
“Dan Sade knows the area well. His father is Sarkin in Kaura Namoda. He has even built a mosque and shops in some villages. His camp is located behind Bakalori Camp, not far from Sabon Gari,” the source said.
Locals say they are puzzled by the apparent inaction of military forces in confronting the group.
Residents fear Dan Sade’s ultimate goal is to overrun Kaura Namoda, the second-largest town in Zamfara.
Residents abandon homes at night
Neighbouring communities such as Unguwan Sarkin Musulmi, Unguwan Rogo, and Yamitsawa — just a few kilometres away — were said to have been deserted.
“People now flee their homes every evening, returning only during the day. The bandits have intensified attacks on Sabon Gari, Kungurki, and other nearby villages,” one source said.
“We are pleading with the government and security agencies to establish a military base in Kungurki and sustain operations to halt the bandits’ advance.” he said.
In a separate incident last Thursday, bandits reportedly killed four people and abducted one person in Kungurki village.
The following day, it was gathered that they contacted the villagers, demanding a N3 million ransom but refused to allow any communication with the hostage, raising fears about his condition.
“The villagers refused to pay the money because they are not sure whether he is alive or not,” the source said.
On Friday, the Secretary of Birnin Magaji Local Government Area was shot and injured along the Kaura-Gusau road.
His elder brother and another individual were abducted during the same attack.
In a related development, two commercial drivers were killed and an undisclosed number of passengers kidnapped along the route.
The Zamfara State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said he could not confirm the incidents as he was attending a seminar in Akwa Ibom State. He promised to provide details after contacting the command headquarters.
Communities identified as being under constant threat in Kauran Namoda include Dayau, Daba, Madira, Yankaba, Kagara, Sabon Gari, Banga, Kurya, Kasuwar Daji, Kungurki, Gidan Tanko, Unguwar Rogo, Gidan Sambo, Walo, Babbar-Saura, Bakin Dam, Katsauta, Gabake, Barkeji, Maguru, and Magizawa.
“These bandits attack us at will, even with security forces stationed in Kaura Namoda,” a local lamented. “Life here has become unbearable. We desperately need help.”
In response to the escalating crisis, Governor Dauda Lawal pledged his administration’s commitment to ending banditry in Zamfara.
While donating 140 operational vehicles to security agencies, he promised to deploy all available resources to restore peace and security.
“This gesture underscores our commitment to supporting the security agencies to effectively protect lives and property.
“We have also launched the Community Protection Guards to complement the efforts of conventional security forces and engage residents in defending their communities.” the governor said
Governor Lawal also paid tribute to security personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
“We will forever honour the sacrifices of our fallen heroes. Their bravery will not be forgotten,” he said.
4 killed in fresh attack in Kogi community
Bandits have killed four persons in Bagana community of Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Two different clans of Igala ethnic extraction, Amagede Otutubatu and Ihiakpe, had been embroiled in a battle of interest on that axis of Omala LGA for ages, leading to destruction of lives and property.
The combatant clans ceased fire last year, though with reported staggering attacks, when the state government arrested a chief of the area, with two others for allegedly fuelling the crisis in the community.
In an attempt to restore normalcy on the axis of the state, the federal government established an army surveillance post to checkmate the fragile security situation in the area, bringing relative peace to the community.
However, last Saturday, four persons from the community were reportedly attacked and killed around 8.30pm along the Kogi-Benue border axis.
An elder in the community, Amodu Achimugwu, who confirmed the incident, said the victims of the attack, a woman and three young men, were on their way to attend a market at Oweto, a border town in Benue State, when they came under assault from the armed men.
Our reporter gathered on Monday that tension had gripped the axis of the state as the news of the attack started making the rounds in the community.
The state government is yet to issue a statement over the development. Officials contacted also declined to speak on the development.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Kogi State Command, SP William Aya, who was contacted on the issue, also declined comments. (Daily trust)
