Sokoto Residents Warn: We Might Take Up Self-Defense Amid Ongoing Bandit Attacks

Table of Contents

• Alarm Over Bandit Attacks
• Community Representative's Statement
• Fakku Community's Experience
• Government's Response

Residents from various communities in the Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State have expressed their concerns regarding the increasing bandit attacks, which have resulted in numerous fatalities, abductions, and displacements.

During a press conference on Saturday, community representative Adamu Haruna from Kebbe town characterized the situation as intolerable and cautioned that residents might resort to self-defense if the government does not take action.

“Our lives are at risk. They have seized our belongings, our livestock, and are now kidnapping individuals,” Haruna stated. “We can no longer access our farms, and everything we possess is being taken from us. People are becoming increasingly desperate.”

Haruna noted that the assaults have become more organized and frequent. “In Dukura, a man was killed for resisting abduction. In Dalijan, bandits stole herds of cattle and subsequently ambushed animals at a watering hole,” he reported.

He further explained that the criminals traversed several villages, including Ingushi and Gwalli, wreaking havoc before security forces could intervene. “People are living in constant fear. These criminals are even threatening to prevent us from harvesting our crops,” he added.

Additionally, Haruna mentioned a notorious group known as Lakurawa, whose influence and brutality are expanding throughout the region.

Tukur Muhammadu, a resident of the Fakku community, stated that their town was once tranquil until bandits invaded, resulting in the deaths of several individuals and the kidnapping of over 30 others.

“They have disrupted our communities and are demanding exorbitant ransoms,” he remarked.

He explained that around seventeen villages in the Fakku area are now abandoned. “Farmers in Kucchi and surrounding regions are too frightened to return to their fields, despite it being harvest season. Shops have been looted, and some traders are still being held hostage,” he noted.

According to him, at least ten people have been killed and more than 500 livestock stolen in the most recent attacks. “If the government cannot provide us with financial aid or food, the least we request is protection,” Muhammadu implored.

In response to the situation, Ahmed Usman, Special Adviser on Security Matters to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, acknowledged that the government is aware of the escalating insecurity in Kebbe and other affected areas.

He assured residents that measures are being implemented to restore peace. “We are fully cognizant of the situation, and the government is doing everything possible to eradicate the threat of banditry and safeguard our citizens,” he stated.