By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano
Residents of Shanono Local Government Area have cried out over the persistent infiltration and operation of Katsina-based bandits in their communities, a situation that has hampered social and economic activities in the area.
Some communities in Shanono share borders with Katsina state, where bandits infiltrate Kano through the 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 the 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 is 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 the 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 a 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.
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