Residents of Shanono Local Government Area in Kano State have raised urgent concerns over recurring attacks by armed bandits that have plagued their communities and neighboring villages since 2022.
Speaking during a press briefing in Kano on Thursday, Yahaya Umar Bagobiri, chairman of the Faruruwa Security Committee, detailed the unrelenting violence, which he said has resulted in devastating losses of lives, property, and livestock.
Bagobiri explained that the attackers, often crossing over from Katsina State, operate in large numbers, sometimes arriving with up to 50 motorcycles to kidnap, kill, and loot.
“We have been facing serious security challenges for three years now. These bandits invade Faruruwa and nearby areas to kill, kidnap, and steal livestock,” he said.
He revealed that over the years, the community has lost more than 1,600 cows, dozens of motorcycles, and other valuables.
In one recent attack, 150 cows were stolen, and several residents were injured.
The worsening insecurity has forced many residents to abandon their homes, with some fleeing to neighboring Katsina State for safety.
Bagobiri appealed to President Bola Tinubu and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to urgently deploy more security operatives, particularly army and police personnel, to protect the vulnerable communities.
“We are calling on both federal and state governments to intervene immediately and prevent these border villages from being completely overrun,” he urged.
Flanked by other community elders, Bagobiri warned that unless decisive action is taken, the bandits will continue to destabilize the region, leaving it in ruins.
Several villages, including Faruruwa, Kuraku, Gorantuse, Saure, and Shadu, are already on the brink of being deserted due to the constant threat of violence.