A community representative said some of the abducted residents had reportedly been released following negotiations or other interventions, while others remained in captivity.
Residents of Alelu, Kimba and Jandutsi communities in Jega Local Government Area of Kebbi State have fled their homes following renewed attacks by armed men suspected to be Lakurawa terrorists, who reportedly killed residents, abducted dozens of people and demanded ₦200 million in ransom.
The attacks have forced families to seek refuge in Jega town, where many are struggling to find accommodation, food and other basic necessities while searching for relatives taken away by the assailants.
In a video report by Yusuf Abdullahi of Nagari FM, residents recounted how the armed men invaded their communities, opened fire and stormed houses, abducting women, children and other residents.
Some residents estimated that more than 60 people were abducted, with others putting the figure at about 80.
A community representative said some of the abducted residents had reportedly been released following negotiations or other interventions, while others remained in captivity.
The representative also said residents had heard reports that the abductors were demanding ₦200 million for the release of their victims.
The ransom demand could not be independently verified.
According to Abdullahi's report, Alelu, one of the affected communities, had suffered repeated attacks by suspected bandits, forcing residents to abandon their homes.
The community was recently visited by Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, who went there to commiserate with residents over the security situation.
However, residents said the suspected attackers returned after the governor's visit and abducted dozens of people.
Some residents estimated that more than 60 people were taken away, while others put the number at about 80.
The reporter described deserted roads and residents gathering their belongings as they fled amid fears of further attacks.
The renewed violence has forced families to leave behind their houses, property and livelihoods as they seek safety in Jega.
Residents said the repeated attacks had made it increasingly difficult for them to remain in their communities, with some alleging that the assailants had threatened to continue tormenting them.
A displaced woman, who was carrying a baby on her back, said the gunmen had attacked her household and abducted members of her family.
She said the attackers had warned residents that they would not allow them to live in peace.
“They came and abducted three women. They killed two people, while four were abducted. They told us that they won't allow us to have peace within a year, that they will come and torment us,” she said.
The woman said residents had endured years of hardship because of the insecurity, which had prevented them from farming and earning a living.
She explained that many families fled towards Jega when the attackers arrived with guns, leaving their belongings behind.
“Now, we are here in Jega, and we have nowhere to stay. We are suffering. Some of us have young children, and we do not even know where some of our family members are,” she said.
Another woman said the gunmen had repeatedly returned to the community after earlier attacks, leaving residents increasingly afraid to remain in their homes.
She said the attackers had struck during the day, firing their weapons and forcing residents to flee.
“They came during the day and began shooting. They attacked us, and we had to flee. They told us they would not leave us in peace,” she said.
The attacks have also disrupted farming and trading, leaving families without their usual sources of income.
Residents gave varying accounts of the number of people killed during the attacks.
An elderly resident said the violence began suddenly in the middle of the day when armed men entered the community and opened fire.
He said residents initially struggled to understand what was happening before the gunshots triggered panic and forced people to flee.
“We were inside our houses when we heard gunshots and realised that armed men had entered the community. We tried to escape, but they had surrounded the area,” he said.
The resident added that some people managed to escape, while others were shot or captured.
He estimated that between five and six people had been killed, although he said the exact number was difficult to establish.
A community representative similarly estimated that about six people might have died, while three others were receiving medical attention.
The varying casualty figures could not be independently verified.
Residents also reported that some abductees had been released following negotiations and other interventions.
According to a community representative, some victims were allegedly held until motorcycles and guns were returned, after which about 34 people were reportedly released.
However, other abductees remained in captivity.
The attacks have left many families struggling to survive after fleeing their communities.
Several displaced residents said they had lost access to their homes, property and livelihoods, while others remained uncertain about the whereabouts of abducted relatives.
A community representative said farmers and traders had been particularly affected because they could no longer carry out their usual economic activities.
“This is a terrible tragedy. We used to hear about such incidents happening in other places, but now the same thing has happened to us,” he said.
“Look at these people. They have been forced to abandon their homes. Some are farmers, while others are traders. Their livelihoods have been disrupted.”
He appealed to the Kebbi State Government to provide temporary accommodation, food and other essential assistance for the displaced families.
The representative also urged the authorities to intensify security operations to prevent further attacks and secure the release of those still being held.
He expressed concern that, apart from a visit by a serving lawmaker, the community had yet to receive substantial assistance from the state or local governments.
The chairman of Jega East, identified as Mika'ilu, also visited the displaced residents to assess their condition and offer assistance.
He said he had decided to visit after learning about the attacks and the hardship facing the affected families.
The council chairman appealed to Governor Idris to intensify security operations in Jega East and surrounding communities to prevent further attacks and enable residents to return home.
He said continued government support would be necessary to help the affected families rebuild their lives after losing access to their homes, property and sources of income.
Residents are appealing for urgent intervention to secure the release of abducted relatives, restore security and provide assistance to families forced to flee their homes.
0 Comments
Leave a Comment