Residents of Farin-Ruwa in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State have appealed to the Federal and State Governments to urgently address the rising wave of bandit attacks that have continued to claim lives and destroy livelihoods in the area.
Speaking at a press conference in Kano on Thursday, the community leader and chairman of the Farin-Ruwa Security Committee, Alhaji Yahaya Bagobiri, said the attacks — reportedly carried out by armed bandits from neighbouring Katsina State — have left many residents displaced and impoverished.
He listed the affected villages to include Farin-Ruwa, Kuraku, Gorantuse, Saure, and Shadu, noting that the frequency and brutality of the attacks have forced several families to flee to safer locations in Kano and other parts of the country.
“We are appealing to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to come to our aid. Our people are living in fear; many have already abandoned their homes because of the constant raids,” Bagobiri said.
According to him, the bandits often launch attacks at any hour — morning, evening, or night — and operate freely without resistance.
“In the most recent incidents, several people were killed, while over 1,600 cows and other valuables were stolen. Just yesterday and the day before, the bandits struck again, injuring many and carting away more than 40 cows,” he recounted.
Bagobiri further revealed that a resident recently secured his release after paying a ransom of ₦15 million to his abductors.
He expressed concern over the inadequate presence of security personnel in the area, adding that during the latest attack, the bandits stormed the villages on about 50 motorcycles.
The community leader urged the Kano State Government to strengthen coordination with security agencies and called on lawmakers representing Bagwai/Shanono Federal Constituency to redouble efforts toward finding a lasting solution to the crisis.
“We appreciate the efforts of our senator and House of Representatives member, but more decisive action is needed to end these recurring attacks,” he said.
The renewed call for help comes weeks after the Kano State Police Command arrested a suspected kidnap kingpin, Usman Lawan Baba, also known as Yellow, allegedly involved in several kidnapping and armed robbery cases, including the abduction of the Village Head of Garun Babba in 2023.
