150 Bandits Invade Kano Communities, Kill Residents, Steal Livestock

Kano State– Residents of Shanono Local Government Area in Kano State are reeling from a fresh wave of bandit attacks that left several people dead and livestock stolen.

The latest assault occurred just two days ago when about 150 armed men, riding on 50 motorcycles, stormed the area in a coordinated raid.

The attackers, believed to have crossed into Kano from neighbouring Katsina State, targeted several border communities, including Faruruwa, Kuraku, Goron-Dutse, Tsaure, and Yan-Shado. Witnesses said the gunmen operated freely, shooting sporadically and carting away cattle, motorcycles, and other valuables.

Residents lamented that the escalating insecurity has crippled farming and business activities, leaving many communities deserted.

Local farmers say they can no longer access their farmlands due to fear of further attacks.

The Chairman of the Faruruwa and Neighbourhood Security Committee, Yahaya Bagobiri, told journalists that the security presence in the area is too weak to repel the heavily armed bandits.

“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 continuous assaults have claimed several lives, displaced hundreds of residents, and led to the loss of over 1,600 cows, numerous motorcycles, and farming machines.

“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 added.

Bagobiri further disclosed that the Joint Task Force (JTF) deployed to the area consists of fewer than 15 personnel, describing the number as “grossly inadequate” to secure such a large and volatile region.

The residents have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to urgently intervene and strengthen security operations to protect lives and property in the embattled communities.

“How can 10 or 15 security operatives confront over 150 armed men?” .

He explained that both the Kano State Commissioner of Police and a senior Army Commander had recently visited the area to assess the situation. However, he noted that the attacks have persisted despite those visits.

He said that some victims have been forced to pay huge ransoms to free kidnapped relatives.

“One of our residents, Alhaji Haruna Gatali, paid ₦15 million to secure the release of his wife,” Bagobiri lamented. “We sincerely hope the authorities will act quickly to restore peace and security to our communities,” Bagobiri added.