Residents in 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states are facing a severe struggle for survival due to the presence of kidnappers, cattle rustlers, and bandits. According to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), those living in affected areas have been forced to make difficult choices, such as relocating, negotiating with criminals, or living in constant uncertainty.
In Sokoto State, the most affected LGAs include Isa, Sabon Birni, Gwadabawa, Illela, Tangaza, and Goronyo. Residents have been compelled to abandon their farms, and some villages in these areas have become deserted. Abubakar Bawa, the chief press secretary to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring a safe environment.
Security agencies, including the Nigerian Army and police, are actively working to secure these areas, with the government providing necessary support.
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In Zamfara, communities in all 14 LGAs have been displaced, with Maru, Anka, Shinkafi, Maradun, Zurmi, Gusau, and Bungudu LGAs being the hardest hit. Previous attempts at dialogue with the bandits have failed, resulting in an escalation of security challenges. The state government has declared that there will be no peace deal with the bandits and is actively engaging with security agencies to confront and neutralize the bandits.
Kebbi State has suffered significant losses, with at least 2,500 lives lost between 2019 and 2023, primarily in Danko, Wasagu, Fakai, Sakaba, and Zuru LGAs under Zuru Emirate. Bandits have attacked and displaced rural communities in the emirate, leading some communities to enter agreements with the bandits. Relief assistance, including food, toiletries, clothing, and mats, is urgently needed for the internally displaced persons (IDPs). The state government is determined to end the security challenges and supports the victims of bandit attacks who have been forced to leave their homes.
The government is concerned about the impact of recurring banditry attacks on lives, property, and farming activities. It is committed to addressing this issue and calls on communities to provide credible intelligence to help identify and apprehend the bandits. The government warns that it will take strong action against informants or individuals colluding with bandits.
A community leader suggests that community engagement is vital in addressing security challenges in the country. He also highlights the need for policies to manage population growth, which has contributed to the crisis by causing land and resource shortages.
