No fewer than seven villagers have reportedly been killed and ten others abducted by suspected bandits following attacks on several communities within the Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State.
The armed men not only killed and kidnapped community members but were also said to have carted away about 70 cattle after families fled into nearby bushes, leaving behind their homes, livestock, and valuables.
The attack, as gathered, occurred in Faruruwa, Kuraku, Gorondutse, Tsaura, and Yanshadu, areas said to have suffered repeated invasions in recent months.
Residents said the bandits, numbering over 50, crossed into Kano from neighbouring Katsina State before launching the attack.
Community sources confirmed that beyond the killings and abductions, the assailants had collected more than ₦15 million in ransom from previous attacks targeting the largely Fulani communities.
Speaking with reporters, Yahaya Gogobir, Chairman of the Shanono Community Security Committee, described the attack as “another painful reminder of how vulnerable rural residents have become.”
“The night raid left families shattered and communities in despair. These bandits are growing bolder by the day, and our people now live in constant fear,” he lamented.
Gogobir noted that since 2022, more than ten prominent residents have been killed and over 1,600 livestock stolen in a series of similar invasions. He blamed the persistent insecurity on inadequate security deployment in the region.
“Imagine having just ten joint task force officers and one operational vehicle to defend all our villages. How can they possibly repel dozens of armed men moving freely on motorcycles?” he asked.
He further alleged that the bandits often attack with little or no resistance from security operatives.
“They strike at any time, morning, afternoon, or night, and sometimes stay for hours without any response. Many families are now relocating to Kano city out of fear,” Gogobir added.
The community leader appealed to the state and federal governments to act urgently, warning that continued neglect could lead to a total breakdown of security and livelihoods in Shanono.
