Fresh bandit attacks claim three lives in Kano border communities

*Governor Yusuf reacts 

 

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano

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

Our correspondent reports that Katsina-based bandits have been unleashing terror on 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 a 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 of Katsina State. Security agencies were notified on time, around 5:30 p.m. As God would 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 are escalating beyond comprehension in Goron Dutse, Makama, and 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 officers 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 Yanganau. 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 issue again and secure these border communities with Katsina.

“Gwarzo and Tsanyawa are in serious danger because of their proximity to Katsina. The Kano State Governor should also take this matter seriously. He must ensure that the borders are blocked and secured. 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 had cried out over the persistent infiltration and operations of Katsina-based bandits in their communities—a situation which has hampered social and economic activities in the area.

Governor Yusuf reacts to bandits’ attacks at Kano communities

Kano state Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf has swiftly reacted to the recent attack on Kano border communities by bandits invading Kano from Katsina state, urging Local Government chairmen to hold regular security meetings with security agencies, opinion leaders, religious and traditional rulers.

Governor Yusuf insisted that enhanced security meetings at local levels will go a long way to curbing the recent wave of attacks on hapless citizens.

‎He also called for vigilance and coordination among communities across the state.

‎This was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

‎Speaking during the State Security Council meeting held at Government House, Kano, the Governor emphasized the importance of grassroots intelligence sharing and cooperation between communities and security agencies.

‎The meeting was attended by heads of security formations, including the Commandant of the Nigerian Army,  Commandant of the Nigerian Air Force, Commandant of the Nigerian Navy, Kano Commissioner of Police, NSCDC Commandant, NDLEA Commander, and the Comptrollers of Correctional Service, Immigration, and Customs.

‎Also in attendance were the NAPTIP Commander, FRSC Sector Commander, ICPC Director, ALGON Chairman, and the Chairman of Tudun Wada Local Government Area.

‎Governor Yusuf identified Shanono, Tsanyawa, Tudun Wada, Doguwa, and Gwarzo as Local Government Areas requiring special attention due to their vulnerability to security threats.

‎He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability, stressing that security remains the top priority of the government.

‎“We must continue to work together from the grassroots to the state level to safeguard lives and property,” Governor  Yusuf stated.

‎He also sympathized with residents affected by recent security incidents and assured them of the government’s continued effort to protect all communities in the state.

Our Correspondent reports that fresh bandits’ attacks claimed three lives in Kano border communities at  Shanono and Tsanyanwa Local Government Areas of Kano State.