“We are becoming desperate.” Sokoto residents warn that people might resort to self-defense if government fails to intervene amid rising bandit attacks

Monday, October 6, 2025 - Residents of several communities of Kebbe Local Government Area in Sokoto State have raised the alarm over rising bandit attacks that have left many people dead, kidnapped, or displaced.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, a community representative, Adamu Haruna from Kebbe town, described the situation as unbearable and warned that people might resort to self-defense if the government fails to intervene.

“Our lives are in danger. They’ve taken our property, our livestock, and now they’re abducting people,” Haruna said. “We can’t go to our farms anymore, and everything we own is being taken away. People are becoming desperate.”

Haruna said the attacks have become well-coordinated and more frequent. “In Dukura, a man was killed for resisting abduction. In Dalijan, bandits stole herds of cattle and later ambushed animals at a watering point,” he said.

He added that the criminals moved through several villages — including Ingushi and Gwalli — destroying property before security operatives could respond. “People are living in fear. These criminals are even threatening to stop us from harvesting our crops,” he added.

Haruna also mentioned another notorious group called Lakurawa, whose influence and violence are spreading across the area.

A resident of Fakku community, Tukur Muhammadu, said their town was once peaceful until bandits invaded, killing several people and kidnapping more than 30 others.

“They’ve scattered our communities and are demanding huge ransoms,” he said.

According to him, about seventeen villages in the Fakku axis are now deserted. “Farmers in Kucchi and nearby areas are afraid to go back to their fields even though it’s harvest time. Shops have been looted, and some traders are still being held captive,” he said.

He explained that at least ten people have been killed and over 500 livestock stolen in the latest attacks. “If the government cannot give us money or food, the least we ask for is protection,” Muhammadu pleaded.

Reacting to the situation, Ahmed Usman, Special Adviser on Security Matters to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, admitted that the government is aware of the growing insecurity in Kebbe and other affected areas.

He assured residents that steps are being taken to restore peace. “We are fully aware of the situation, and the government is doing everything possible to end the menace of banditry and protect our people,” he said.