Residents across several communities in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State have raised concern over a surge in deadly bandit attacks, which have led to killings, abductions, displacement and widespread fear.

Addressing a press conference on Saturday, the leaders of the communities, led by Alhaji Adamu Haruna from Kebbe town, described the deteriorating security situation as dire, warning that lack of government intervention might push citizens to take the law into their own hands.

“Our lives are in danger. They have taken our property, our livestock, and now they have started abducting people,” Haruna lamented.

He added, “We’re no longer allowed to farm, and our belongings are being confiscated. People are getting desperate.”

According to residents, the attacks have become increasingly coordinated. In Dukura, a man was reportedly killed for resisting abduction.

“In Dalijan, bandits drove away with herds of cattle, and later ambushed animals at a local watering point. The attackers moved through multiple communities including, Ingushi and Gwalli, leaving destruction in their wake before security forces could respond.

“People are living in fear. These criminals are threatening to stop us from harvesting our crops.

“There are another group called Lakurawa who everyone fears — their grip on the region is growing.” Haruna added.

Tukur Muhammadu, a resident of Fakku, said the town was previously untouched, but that that changed when bandits stormed the area, killing several and abducting over 30 residents.

“They’ve scattered our communities and are demanding a ransom of tens of million naira,” he said.

He added, “Seventeen towns in the Fakku axis are now deserted. We’ve appealed to the state government for help, but there has been no response.”

“Farmers in Kucchi and surrounding villages are reportedly afraid to return to their fields, despite the fact that it is a harvesting season. Shops have been looted, and some owners remain in captivity.

“So far, over ten people have been confirmed dead, and more than 500 livestock rustled in the ongoing attacks. With seventeen towns emptied of their residents, communities are calling urgently on state authorities to act.

“If the government cannot provide food or money, the least we ask for is security,” Muhammadu said.

When contacted, the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Usman (rtd), acknowledged the growing insecurity in the affected areas and assured residents that the government is taking the situation seriously.

“We are fully aware of the developments, and the government is doing everything possible to restore peace in communities affected by banditry and other forms of security challenges,” he said.

Col. Usman emphasized that efforts are ongoing to strengthen security operations and bring lasting stability to the region. (Weekend Trust)