Residents of Shanono Local Government Area in Kano State have been thrown into fear after armed bandits invaded their communities two days ago, arriving on about 50 motorcycles with three attackers on each — an estimated 150 armed men in total.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the assailants, believed to have crossed into Kano from neighbouring Katsina State, killed several residents and carted away livestock and farming equipment, leaving the area in panic.
Communities along the Katsina–Kano border — including Faruruwa, Kuraku, Goron-Dutse, Tsaure, and Yan-Shado — have reportedly suffered repeated attacks in recent weeks.
Villagers said the gunmen often infiltrate through bush paths, looting, kidnapping, and killing residents with little resistance. Many farmers and traders have since abandoned their homes, as insecurity continues to cripple farming and business activities.
Appealing for urgent government intervention, the Chairman of the Faruruwa and Neighbourhood Security Committee, Yahaya Bagobiri, said the limited number of security operatives in the area cannot cope with the scale of the attacks.
“We have been facing serious security challenges since 2022. Bandits from Katsina and neighbouring states invade our communities almost daily. That is why we are calling on the government to come to our aid,” Bagobiri said.
He revealed that several lives have been lost, hundreds of residents displaced, and over 1,600 cows, numerous motorcycles, and farming machines stolen.
“Just two days ago, they invaded our area with about 50 motorcycles, each carrying three persons — roughly 150 attackers. They killed people and stole livestock,” he recounted.
Bagobiri described the security presence in the area as “grossly inadequate,” noting that the Joint Task Force (JTF) stationed there has fewer than 15 personnel to cover the entire volatile region.
“How can 10 or 15 security operatives confront over 150 armed men?” he lamented.
He added that although both the Kano State Commissioner of Police and a senior Army Commander recently visited the area to assess the situation, the attacks have continued unabated.
The community leader also disclosed that some victims have been forced to pay huge ransoms to secure the release of their loved ones.
“One of our residents, Alhaji Haruna Gatali, paid ₦15 million to secure the release of his wife,” he said.
Residents have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to strengthen security presence across Shanono and other border communities to prevent further bloodshed and displacement.
“We sincerely hope the authorities will act quickly to restore peace and security to our communities,” Bagobiri added.