Bandits in Kaduna claim lives, kidnap JIBWIS leader, dozen others
Story from Saleh Inuwa, kano
The Vice-Chairman of Jama’atul Izalatul Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus-Sunnah (JIBWIS), Mal. Yakubu Muhammad Bugai, along with three other farmers, were mercilessly killed by brutal bandits in the Birnin-Gwari area. These bandits have been spreading fear and terror, with over 50 individuals being kidnapped in just the month of July.
Mallam Bugai, a prominent figure and vice-chairman of the Birnin-Gwari Orphans Foundation, dedicated his life to caring for the thousands of orphans left behind by the victims of banditry in the security-stricken local government. He was shot at his farm in the Rema area and rushed to the Jibril Mai-Gwari General Hospital for treatment, but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries on Thursday morning at 7:30 am.
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The Birnin-Gwari Emirate Progressives Union (BEPU), through its chairman, Ishaq Usman Kasai, revealed that these attacks have not been limited to Birnin-Gwari alone. Rural communities like Sabon-Layi, Kurgi, Yelwa, Tashan-Keji, Shiwaka, and Unguwan Danfulani, located in the western part of Birnin-Gwari, have also fallen victim to kidnappings carried out by these bandits. These communities share boundaries with the Kamuku and Kuyambana Forests, serving as hideouts for the criminals.
“Disturbingly, the bandits are not only targeting the lives of local farmers but also destroying their livelihoods. They have been letting their cattle roam freely, deliberately destroying crops, especially maize farms. Moreover, they have warned the farmers against continuing their agricultural activities, threatening them with violence and kidnapping”, he stated.
Adding that “Just recently, on July 21st, the bandits attacked Ung. Bawa in Randagi Ward, kidnapping 28 individuals, including women and children. Tragically, one person lost their life, and four others were injured in the attack, currently receiving medical treatment. Thankfully, 13 of the captives managed to escape their captors”.
“These violent acts have become alarmingly frequent in the Birnin-Gwari area. The bandits strike repeatedly, targeting innocent farmers and communities. On Tuesday, they kidnapped two individuals who were returning from Birnin-Gwari town. On Wednesday, they attacked Unguwan Roka, where they killed one person and kidnapped nine. The following night, they struck Unguwan Danfulani, killing one person and abducting seven individuals from a single family who were on their way to the Birnin-Gwari weekly market.
The situation is dire, as farmers are being attacked whenever they go to their fields, putting this year’s farming output at risk. Approximately 70% of farmland remains inaccessible due to the constant threat from the bandits. Even as recently as Saturday, two farmers were kidnapped in the Maraban Agyaro area”.
The Birnin-Gwari Emirate Progressives Union (BEPU) is deeply concerned about the escalating violence in the area and the lack of action taken to prevent these attacks. They express gratitude for the efforts of the new administration and security agencies in addressing the issue but call on the Federal Government to establish military detachments in strategic locations like Katakaki, Gagumi, Tashar-Keji, and Bugai to counter the bandit warlords who use these areas as their operational basis.
Additionally, the restoration of the Mobile Police Unit in Damari Community, which serves as a route for the bandits, is crucial in protecting the many communities in the eastern part of the local government.
BEPU raises concerns about the inadequate medical attention received by victims of banditry due to understaffing and lack of equipment in the Jibril Mai-Gwari General Hospital. With only one medical doctor for the entire hospital, the situation is dire and not proportional to the needs of the population. They implore the Kaduna State Government to address this issue by either posting more health personnel or recruiting local doctors to provide sufficient primary medical care.
It is a devastating reality that innocent lives are being lost, and communities are living in constant fear due to the ruthless actions of these bandits. Immediate action and intervention are needed to ensure the safety and well-being of the people in the Birnin-Gwari area.
