Wednesday, 09 April 2025 05:01

Northwest Nigeria reels under wave of killings and abductions as insecurity worsens

Rate this item
(0 votes)

A fresh wave of violence has swept through Nigeria’s Northwest region, with bandits and armed groups killing at least 10 people and abducting over 120 in coordinated attacks across Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states within days—underscoring the worsening insecurity plaguing the country.

Katsina: Six Killed, 59 Abducted in Brutal Raids

In Katsina, bandits struck multiple communities, leaving six dead and 59 kidnapped. The latest attack occurred Sunday night in Layin Gara village (Funtua LGA), where two were killed and 16 abducted. A day earlier, over 100 gunmen stormed Maikuma village (Dandume LGA), killing four and seizing 43 residents.

“They moved house to house for hours before retreating into the forest with their victims,” a witness told Daily Trust. Dandume LGA Chairman Basiru Musa confirmed the assault, lamenting that security forces were restricted from pursuing the bandits beyond operational boundaries.

Zamfara: Bandits Kill 2, Abduct 60 in Retaliation for Kingpins’ Deaths

Zamfara faced even deadlier reprisal attacks as bandits loyal to warlord Adamu Aliero raided Tsafe LGA communities, killing two and abducting over 60. The violence followed the killing of Aliero’s brother, Kachalla Yellow (aka Dan Isuhu), in a security operation two weeks prior.

On Sunday, gunmen attacked Gidan Arne village, shooting three residents—two died instantly—and abducting 40 women. Simultaneously, Keta village was raided, leaving one dead, 11 vehicles torched, and shops looted. Earlier assaults in Yan Doton Daji and Unguwan Chida saw 21 more kidnapped.

“These attacks are revenge for the bandit leaders killed by security forces,” a community leader revealed. Despite military operations, bandits continue exploiting Zamfara’s vast forests, imposing illegal levies on farmers and executing deadly ambushes—including the October 2024 killing of nine state guards.

Sokoto & Kebbi: Fishermen Murdered, Student Kidnapped

In Sokoto’s Tangaza LGA, the Lakurawa militia killed two fishermen and a farmer in Sanyinna village Tuesday, just a day after nearby Sutti and Takkau were attacked. Meanwhile, in Kebbi, gunmen stormed a university hostel in Birnin Kebbi, abducting 23-year-old student Augustine Madubiya and killing a herder who tried to intervene.

Authorities’ Response

While police in Sokoto and Kebbi vowed to track the perpetrators, Zamfara’s officials remained silent. Katsina’s officials urged stronger federal intervention, with Dandume’s chairman warning that bandits operate “without fear.”

A Region Under Siege

The relentless attacks highlight the Northwest’s descent into lawlessness, with bandits and militias exploiting weak security presence, vast forests, and communal vulnerabilities. Despite government assurances, residents face daily terror—raising urgent questions about Nigeria’s capacity to curb the escalating crisis.

—Reports compiled from Daily Trust and eyewitness accounts.

April 28, 2025

Manufacturers battle for survival amid rising energy, borrowing costs

Nigerian manufacturers are struggling under the weight of escalating energy costs, which now consume approximately…
April 28, 2025

Natasha mocks Akpabio in scathing ‘apology’ over sexual harassment claim

Suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Sunday delivered a blistering, sarcastic "apology" to Senate…
April 28, 2025

How to boost your happiness in just a few minutes

Prioritizing your joy can feel like an abstract assignment that, frankly, many of us don’t…
April 26, 2025

Declassified CIA file about UFO aliens attacking soldiers released

A declassified document posted to the CIA’s website is raising eyebrows with claims of an…
April 28, 2025

Boko Haram kills 14 farmers and vigilantes in Borno

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have killed at least 14 people, including farmers and vigilantes, in…
April 28, 2025

Here’s the latest as Israel-Hamas war enters Day 570

Israel says it strikes Hezbollah missiles in southern Beirut The Israeli army said on Sunday…
April 27, 2025

Smartphone use could reduce dementia risk in older adults, study finds

The first generation that has been exposed consistently to digital technology has reached the age…
January 08, 2025

NFF appoints new Super Eagles head coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Éric Sékou Chelle as the new Head Coach…

NEWSSCROLL TEAM: 'Sina Kawonise: Publisher/Editor-in-Chief; Afolabi Ajibola: IT Manager;
Contact Us: [email protected] Tel/WhatsApp: +234 811 395 4049

Copyright © 2015 - 2025 NewsScroll. All rights reserved.