Kebbi Residents Voice Concerns Over Rising Abductions Amid Growing Insecurity

Table of Contents

• Fear Grips Residents
• Sustained Attacks
• Recent Abductions
• Worsening Insecurity
• Government Response
• Local Concerns

The surge of bandit attacks in Kebbi State has left residents in a state of fear, raising serious doubts about the government’s capability to restore peace in the affected border communities.

DAILY POST has learned that the ongoing assaults across Kebbi’s southern region, especially in areas such as Danko Wasagu, Sakaba, and Shanga, have left communities anxious, with many locals fleeing their homes in large numbers.

Earlier this week, armed bandits invaded multiple villages in the Danko Wasagu Local Government Area, resulting in the reported abduction of at least ten individuals, including women and children.

This recent surge in attacks has heightened concerns, occurring just days after the kidnapping of the Deputy Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Alhaji Muhammad Sama’ila-Bagudo, further highlighting the precarious security situation in the region.

A resident, whose 12-year-old son was recently rescued after being kidnapped, expressed to DAILY POST that the situation has become intolerable.

“People are being rescued today, and tomorrow you hear about another abduction,” he lamented.

“We can no longer sleep peacefully. Everyone is living in fear,” he added.

The insecurity has escalated despite numerous rescue operations conducted by the police and troops of the Nigerian Army, as the bandits continue to operate with near impunity in remote areas.

While security forces have achieved some success in intercepting criminals and rescuing victims, locals argue that these efforts have not resulted in lasting peace. Many believe that without a strong and coordinated response, the crisis may lead to further displacement of communities.

Residents are urging both the state and federal governments to enhance efforts and deploy more security personnel to vulnerable areas to put an end to what they describe as “a cycle of recurring tragedy.”

Border-forest sanctuaries in Zamfara and neighboring states remain a significant concern, as local officials report a pattern where bandits escape into bushland across state lines after attacks, complicating pursuit and prosecution.

The cross-border nature of the violence has also strained local coordination, prompting communities to call for better information-sharing between security agencies from neighboring states.

The government’s response thus far has included a combination of raids, arrests, and rescue missions. However, with attacks persisting and high-profile abductions unresolved, residents indicate that their confidence is waning.

“We thank God for those rescued,” stated Hussaini Aliyu Bena, Chairman of Danko Wasagu Local Government Area, adding: “but who can sleep when we wake up to news that another village has been attacked?”

Residents have warned that without decisive and sustained action, the already fragile sense of security in the region could completely collapse.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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