KANO — Residents of Faruruwa and neighbouring communities in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State have raised alarm over incessant bandit attacks that have left several people dead, many others kidnapped, and more than 1,600 cattle and other livestock rustled.
The Chairman of the Faruruwa Community and Environs Security Committee, Yahaya Bagobiri, disclosed this while addressing journalists in Kano. He said the bandits, believed to be from neighbouring Katsina State, frequently invade their communities on motorcycles, looting property and terrorizing residents.
Bagobiri lamented that the attacks have continued unchecked due to the inadequate presence of security personnel in the area, adding that many villagers have been forced to abandon their homes and relocate to Kano city for safety.
According to him, “We have been facing this security challenge since 2022. The bandits come from Katsina into Faruruwa and nearby communities, killing our people and stealing our livestock. So far, at least 1,600 cows, goats, and rams have been stolen, while several houses and motorcycles were destroyed or carted away.”
He explained that the bandits usually launch their attacks at any hour — morning, evening, or night — and often come in large numbers, heavily armed.
“Just two days ago, they came with about 50 motorcycles, each carrying three men armed with sophisticated weapons. They killed anyone they encountered and rustled animals before escaping,” Bagobiri said.
He also noted that despite several reports to security agencies, including the police and the army, the situation remains dire due to the limited number of security personnel stationed in the area.
“The Joint Task Force (JTF) members in our communities are less than 15; they cannot withstand the number of bandits who attack us in hundreds. Even the Commissioner of Police and the Army Commandant have visited our area recently, but the problem persists,” he added.
Bagobiri further revealed that residents have paid huge sums in ransom to secure the release of kidnapped victims. “For instance, one Alhaji Haruna paid ₦15 million to free his wife from captivity,” he said.
The community leader therefore appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf to urgently intervene to prevent the escalating insecurity from spreading to other parts of the state.
Faruruwa community shares a border with Katsina State, one of the areas in northern Nigeria most affected by banditry and rural violence.
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