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.
Residents across several communities in the Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State have raised the alarm over a surge in deadly bandit attacks, which had 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.
He warned that the 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, according to Daily Trust.
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 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 17 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.
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