Residents of Shanono Local Government Area in Kano State are gripped by fear after a deadly invasion by armed terrorists who stormed the area two days ago on about 50 motorcycles, each carrying three persons — roughly 150 attackers.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the assailants, believed to have crossed into Kano from neighbouring Katsina State, killed several people and made away with livestock and farming equipment, throwing the entire community into panic.
Communities situated along the Katsina–Kano border — Faruruwa, Kuraku, Goron-Dutse, Tsaure, and Yan-Shado — have suffered repeated raids in recent weeks.
Villagers say the terrorists frequently enter through bush paths, looting and abducting residents with little or no resistance. Farmers and local leaders lamented that the worsening insecurity has crippled both farming and commercial activities, forcing many people to abandon their homes.
Appealing for immediate government intervention, the Chairman of the Faruruwa and Neighbourhood Security Committee, Yahaya Bagobiri, told journalists that the few security operatives deployed to the area are overwhelmed by the scale of the attacks.
“We have been facing serious security challenges since 2022. Bandits from Katsina and neighbouring states invade our communities almost daily. That is why we are calling on the government to come to our aid,” Bagobiri said.
He revealed that the attacks have led to several deaths and the displacement of hundreds of residents, while more than 1,600 cows, numerous motorcycles, and farming machines have been stolen.
“Just two days ago, they invaded our area with about 50 motorcycles, each carrying three persons, roughly 150 attackers. They killed people and stole livestock,” he recounted.
Bagobiri described the number of security operatives in the area as “grossly inadequate,” noting that the Joint Task Force (JTF) stationed there has fewer than 15 personnel covering the entire volatile region.
Residents have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to urgently strengthen security presence in Shanono and other border communities to prevent further bloodshed and displacement.
“How can 10 or 15 security operatives confront over 150 armed men?” Bagobiri questioned.
He added that both the Kano State Commissioner of Police and a senior Army Commander had recently visited the area to assess the situation. However, he said the attacks have continued despite those visits.
Bagobiri also disclosed that some victims were forced to pay huge ransoms to secure the release of their kidnapped relatives.
“One of our residents, Alhaji Haruna Gatali, paid N15 million to secure the release of his wife,” he lamented.
“We sincerely hope the authorities will act quickly to restore peace and security to our communities,” he added.
Leave a Reply