Kano community cries out over escalating bandit attacks

The Farin-Ruwa community in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State has raised the alarm over repeated bandit attacks, calling on the Federal and Kano State Governments to take urgent action to restore security in the area.

Speaking at a press conference in Kano on Thursday, the community leader and chairman of the Farin-Ruwa Security Committee, Alhaji Yahaya Bagobiri, said the attacks — allegedly carried out by bandits from neighbouring Katsina State — had claimed several lives and resulted in massive losses of property and livestock.

Bagobiri listed the affected villages to include Farin-Ruwa, Kuraku, Gorantuse, Saure, and Shadu, noting that the situation had forced many residents to flee their homes for safety.

“We are appealing to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to come to our aid over the worsening security situation. Many of our people have already relocated to Kano and other areas to escape the attacks,” he said.

According to him, the bandits invade the villages at any time — morning, evening, or night — often operating unhindered.

“In recent attacks, many people were killed, while more than 1,600 cows and several valuables were stolen. Just yesterday and the day before, the bandits struck again, injuring residents and carting away over 40 cows,” Bagobiri stated.

He also revealed that a resident recently regained freedom after paying a ₦15 million ransom to his abductors.

Bagobiri lamented that the security presence in the area was grossly inadequate, adding that the attackers rode into villages on about 50 motorcycles during the latest assault.

He appealed to the state government to strengthen collaboration with security agencies and urged lawmakers representing Bagwai/Shanono Federal Constituency to intensify efforts in addressing the crisis.

“We acknowledge the efforts of our senator and House of Representatives member, but more needs to be done to end these recurring attacks,” he said.

The alarm comes weeks after the Kano State Police Command announced the arrest of a notorious suspect, Usman Lawan Baba, also known as Yellow, in connection with several kidnapping and armed robbery cases, including the abduction of the Village Head of Garun Babba in 2023.