Communities in Lere and Birnin Gwari Local Government Areas of Kaduna State have cried out over renewed attacks and kidnappings by bandits.
In separate press statements issued on Tuesday in Kaduna, the communities called on the Kaduna State and federal governments to take adequate steps to protect citizens from frequent killings and attacks by bandits.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday in Kaduna, Yakubu Maigamo, President of the Akurmi Development Association (AKURDA) in Lere LGA, said no fewer than 12 residents were killed by bandits in a series of attacks, while 59 others abducted since October 2025 were still in captivity.
He painted a grim picture of life under siege, saying the wave of violence across Akurumi settlements in the last four months had pushed the people to the brink.
He lamented the seeming neglect of the community in the face of repeated attacks.
“Are we still part of Nigeria? Or have Akurmi lives become disposable?” he asked.
Maigamo said the attacks had been systematic and devastating, affecting several communities across Lere.
He cited Karku Ningi in Kauru Local Government Area, where four persons were killed and nine kidnapped during an October 2025 raid.
He also listed Gidan Waya,Jan Tsauni, and Mai Yamma in Lere Local Government Area, where another four people were killed and 13 abducted in November 2025.
According to him, more abductions and killings were recorded in Majagada, Gurza, Garun Kurama, and Biman Kurama communities within the period under review.
Maigamo disclosed that many of those abducted since October last year were still in captivity, with families forced to sell foodstuffs such as grains and other farm produce meant to sustain them during the year in order to raise money for ransom.
He said the bandits operated with “absolute impunity,” adding that they struck repeatedly without resistance or consequence.
While acknowledging the efforts by the federal and Kaduna state governments in addressing the insecurity challenges, the community leader said the response had been grossly insufficient to stem the tide of attacks on Akurmi settlements.
He said the continued silence and slow response from authorities had emboldened the attackers and deepened the people’s sense of abandonment.
The association appealed to Governor Uba Sani to order the immediate and permanent deployment of security personnel to Akurmi communities to prevent further attacks.
The group also demanded a coordinated, high-level intelligence operation aimed specifically at rescuing all abducted persons still in captivity.
The group further called for a thorough investigation, arrest, and prosecution of those behind the attacks and their collaborators.
Similarly, the Birnin Gwari Emirate Progressives Union (BEPU) has raised the alarm over renewed security challenges affecting communities across Birnin Gwari LGA.
In a statement on Tuesday, Isah Muhammad, Chairman of (BEPU), noted that while the area had experienced notable security improvements following recent peace efforts, some isolated security incidents alongside widespread destruction of farms were threatening the fragile peace.
He said a former councillor, Auwal Kwaga of Gayam Ward, was brutally murdered by unrepentant bandits along the Birnin Gwari – Kwaga road and his motorcycle was seized.
“This incident is not isolated, as there have been recurring cases of individuals being attacked, killed, or dispossessed of motorcycles, mobile phones, and other valuables across different parts of Birnin Gwari territory.
“BEPU views these attacks as deliberate provocations and attempts by criminal elements who have refused to renounce violence to destabilise the fragile peace in the area,” Muhammad said.
He noted that in 2024, the “Kaduna state government made significant efforts to negotiate peace agreements with armed groups, which led to remarkable stability throughout much of 2025”.
According to Muhammad,“This improved security environment enabled farmers to return to their farmlands and engage in large-scale agricultural activities.
“However, during the harvest season, numerous incidents of cattle invading farmlands were recorded, leading to massive destruction of crops and devastating losses for farmers.
“Historically, the security crisis in Birnin Gwari has often escalated gradually, beginning with isolated killings and thefts before developing into widespread banditry.
“BEPU expresses strong concern that if government authorities fail to decisively address the activities of armed groups that have refused to disarm, the region risks returning to the severe insecurity previously experienced.”
BEPU said, “The people of Birnin Gwari have demonstrated patience and loyalty to government efforts toward peace”.
Muhammad urged authorities to strengthen surveillance and security operations along major routes, particularly the Kaduna Birnin Gwari highway, including the Unguwar Gajere and Kuyello axis, where recent incidents were reported.
The group also called for the urgent review and strengthening of existing peace agreements, as well as firm action against individuals and groups that had refused to comply in order to guarantee sustainable peace.
“Beyond the growing security concerns, BEPU is deeply alarmed by the extensive destruction of farmlands recorded during the 2025 farming season.
“A comprehensive documentation exercise conducted among affected farmers confirmed that at least 173 farmers suffered severe losses across multiple wards and communities within Birnin Gwari,” he added.
Kaduna communities cry out over renewed killings, abductions by bandits
