Kebbi Under Siege: Bandits Abduct Dozens After Governor's Visit, Angry Youths Confront Police Over Attacks

Communities in Jega Local Government Area of Kebbi State, including Alelu, Kimba, and Jandutsi, have been devastated by renewed attacks from armed men suspected to be Lakurawa terrorists. These assaults have led to residents fleeing their homes en masse, reports of killings, and the abduction of dozens of people, with assailants reportedly demanding a staggering ₦200 million ransom for their release. The displaced families are now seeking refuge in Jega town, grappling with severe challenges in finding basic necessities like accommodation and food, while desperately searching for their abducted relatives.

A video report by Yusuf Abdullahi of Nagari FM captured the harrowing accounts of residents, who described how the armed men stormed their communities, firing weapons indiscriminately and abducting women, children, and other inhabitants directly from their houses. Estimates of those abducted range widely, with some residents suggesting over 60 people were taken, while others placed the figure at around 80. A community representative confirmed that while some abductees had reportedly been released following negotiations or other interventions, a significant number remained in captivity, corroborating the ₦200 million ransom demand, though this figure could not be independently verified.

Alarmingly, these attacks resumed shortly after Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris visited Alelu, one of the affected communities, to commiserate with residents over the existing security challenges. Despite the governor's visit, residents reported that the suspected attackers returned, escalating the violence and abducting dozens more. This resurgence of violence has forced families to abandon their homes, properties, and livelihoods, leaving behind everything as they seek safety in Jega. Deserted roads and fearful residents gathering meager belongings became a common sight, driven by the explicit threats from the assailants to continue tormenting them and not allow them to live in peace.

Distressing testimonies from displaced individuals highlight the profound impact of the insecurity. One woman, carrying a baby, recounted how gunmen attacked her household, killed two people, abducted four family members, and explicitly warned residents that they would not find peace for a year. She lamented years of hardship, with insecurity preventing farming and income generation, forcing families to flee towards Jega when attackers arrived. Another woman echoed the sentiment, describing repeated daytime attacks with gunfire, compelling residents to flee and instilling a pervasive fear that makes returning home almost impossible. The constant disruptions have crippled farming and trading, stripping families of their vital income sources.

Casualty figures varied among residents, with an elderly man describing the sudden midday onset of violence, where armed men opened fire, causing widespread panic. He estimated between five and six people were killed, with an unconfirmed number injured, while a community representative similarly suggested about six fatalities and three receiving medical attention. It was also reported that some abductees were conditionally released, often requiring the return of motorcycles and guns, leading to the release of approximately 34 individuals, though many others remain missing.

The humanitarian crisis is deepening as displaced families struggle to survive, having lost access to their homes and livelihoods. Farmers and traders are particularly affected, unable to conduct economic activities. Community representatives have issued urgent appeals to the Kebbi State Government for temporary accommodation, food, and essential assistance. They also called for intensified security operations to prevent further attacks and secure the release of remaining captives, noting a lack of substantial government assistance despite visits from local officials and lawmakers. Mika'ilu, the chairman of Jega East, visited the displaced residents, expressing concern and appealing to Governor Idris for increased security presence to enable residents to return safely and rebuild their lives.

Adding to the volatile situation, angry youths in the Sanagi community, also in Kebbi State near Jega, reportedly attempted to confront suspected bandits directly. Frustrated by persistent attacks, killings, and kidnappings, and accusing both the Kebbi State and Nigerian governments of failing to protect them, these youths blocked a road, determined to pursue the armed groups into a nearby forest. Video footage obtained by SaharaReporters showed agitated youths confronting police operatives who intervened to prevent them from advancing. The incident, occurring around 9 AM, underscored the community's desperation.

Speaking in Hausa, youths articulated their anger, explaining that bandits were targeting markets, killing young people, and abducting residents without government intervention. They expressed a grim determination to defend their community, stating a willingness to face death rather than flee, reflecting profound fear and a sense of abandonment by authorities. Concerns were also raised about the dangers faced by travellers, including motorcyclists, along the roads, confirming ongoing attacks and the widespread insecurity plaguing the region. The collective sentiment is one of extreme vulnerability and a desperate call for effective governance and protection.