Due to the rampant activities of bandits in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, residents from 10 communities have been forced to abandon their homes,Daily Trust reports.
Reports indicate that many affected individuals, especially women and children, have undertaken arduous journeys to seek refuge in the main town of Giwa.
Umar Auwal Bijimi, the representative of Giwa West constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly, revealed to Daily Trust that the mass displacement commenced following the withdrawal of a dedicated and effective soldier, Sergeant Usman Hamisu Bagobiri, who played a pivotal role in combating the banditry in the area.
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Bijimi highlighted that the absence of Sergeant Bagobiri has emboldened the criminals, resulting in a significant escalation of their nefarious activities and subsequent displacement of villagers.
The affected villages include Gogi, Angwar Bako, Marge, Tunburku, Bataro, Kayawa, and Yuna. Bijimi appealed to the state government and military authorities to reinstate Sergeant Bagobiri and deploy more committed soldiers to continue the fight against the bandits, thereby ensuring the safety of innocent villagers and enabling them to resume their agricultural activities.
Korau Fatika, a resident, corroborated Bijimi’s narrative, expressing that the continuous onslaughts by bandits have instilled fear in the villagers, compelling them to flee with their families. He lamented the recent surge in abductions, particularly targeting women, which further fueled the exodus from the affected communities.
Nuhu Lawal Umar, the District Head of Fatika, echoed the urgent need for security in the area, stressing the necessity for government intervention.
Samuel Aruwan, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, disclosed that relevant stakeholders, including the Chairman of Giwa LGA, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Giwa, and local leaders, have been engaged in discussions with the ministry regarding security concerns. He assured that the issue has been escalated to appropriate authorities, and concerted efforts are underway to enhance intelligence gathering and strengthen security measures in the affected communities.
