Survivors recount ordeal as Kano gov visits bandit-hit communities

Residents of communities in Tsanyawa and Shanono LGAs of Kano State have recounted harrowing experiences following a series of deadly bandit attacks that left several people dead, dozens abducted, and entire settlements deserted.

They told Daily Trust that bandits now move with increasing boldness across rural Kano, prompting urgent appeals for government intervention.

The locals said they lack the resources to pay ransom for abducted family members and relatives and fear more attacks if urgent action is not taken.

The accounts came as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf visited frontline troops on Tuesday, overseeing efforts to curb bandit infiltration along the Kano–Katsina border.

In Tsanyawa, Alkasim Sha’aibu described how armed men invaded his home at night, terrorising his family before abducting his teenage son.

“They barged into my house and terrified us. My son was outside pressing his phone when they flashed a torch at his face and picked him up. When I came out, they immediately pointed guns at my head and ordered me not to move.

“They didn’t abduct anyone from my house, but they took my son along with eight others from a nearby shop. They are demanding N26 million and gave us four days to find the money. We have nothing,” he said.

In Masarari village, also in Tsanyawa LGA, newly married Naziru Abdussalam said his wife, Shamsiyya Abdullahi, was among 10 people abducted by bandits.

“There were 10 attackers, including one woman. It’s just one year and three months since we got married, and now she’s gone,” he said.

He added that fear has overtaken the community, with residents fleeing in large numbers.

Another resident, Ashiru Ibrahim, recounted how he narrowly escaped while his elder brother was taken.

“We were returning from the market when they appeared suddenly. They captured my brother and took his phone and money,” he said.

In Yan Kamaye village, two elderly women, including Baito Haladu, said most residents have fled after repeated attacks.

“We are the only two remaining. They abducted many, including a breastfeeding mother and her 7-month-old baby. We can’t stay in our homes anymore. We are living in anguish,” she said.

Another resident, Fatima Ibrahim, described how her relative, Zahra Allalai, was shot dead while trying to shield her child.

“She came out shouting for help to protect her only son. They shot her instantly. Our peace has been taken from us. We beg the government to act,” she said.

Amina Kabiru said her in-law, recently relocated from Kankara in Katsina State, was kidnapped during a midnight raid.

She said, “They jumped the fence and forced their way in. Her husband was away, hustling for the family. We need help urgently.”

In another incident, multiple members of the same family were abducted.

“My son, sister, and relatives were all taken,” said Lantana Bello. “It has been eight days. The bandits keep threatening us with deadlines and huge ransom demands. We are in serious trouble.”

Another resident, Aisha Aliyu, narrated how her mother was shot dead during a raid.

“I’d never seen so much blood. My husband is crippled and couldn’t calm me down. My sister Maryam ran for help, but a bandit chased her. By Allah’s mercy, she hid successfully,” she said.

Aisha said she slept beside her mother’s corpse until morning, waiting for neighbours to bury her.

Maryam, who had travelled to Tsanyawa to visit her mother, said she witnessed the killing.

“By 10 p.m., I heard her screaming. When I came out, I saw them tie everyone up. My mother begged them, and before she could finish, they shot her,” she recalled.

She added that she escaped by hiding under a bed as a bandit searched the room, flashing a torch across the faces of her three children.

“He wanted to kill me, too. When he left, I came out and found my mother in a pool of blood. We are traumatised,” she added.

Gov Yusuf visits frontline troops

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on Tuesday visited troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) deployed across Shanono and Tsanyawa LGAs.

At the Forward Operating Base in Faruruwa, Commander of 3 Brigade, Brigadier General A.M. Tukur, briefed the governor on recent clashes, including the November 1 attack that left two soldiers and a vigilante dead, and two military gun trucks burnt.

He said the criminals have shifted deeper into border communities but remain active, stressing that troops are committed to defending residents.

Governor Yusuf described the situation as alarming.

“It is unfortunate that the infiltration is widening day by day. Bandits are killing people, rustling cattle, and kidnapping residents. But with the JTF deployed, the situation is improving,” he said.

He said he had briefed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who directed the Chief of Army Staff to send reinforcements, including personnel and equipment.

“We will support you in whichever way necessary to neutralise this cancer,” he told the troops.

The governor later proceeded to Tsanyawa, where he commended troops and assured residents that the government is working to ensure the safe return of those abducted.

“These security challenges are new to Kano. But by Allah’s grace, we will do whatever it takes to defeat the bandits,” he said.

He pledged continued logistics and welfare support for security forces, adding that affected communities will not be abandoned.

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