Bandits Kill Muslim Cleric, Farmers, Kidnap 50 in Kaduna

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Birnin-Gwari Emirate Progressives Union (BEPU) in Kaduna State has disclosed the death of the Vice-Chairman of Jama’atul Izalatul Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus-Sunnah (JIBWIS), Birnin-Gwari Branch, Mal. Yakubu Muhammad Bugai and three other farmers who were killed by rampaging bandits who also kidnapped over 50 persons in July alone.

The JIBWIS leader was shot at his farm located around the Rema area and was later taken to Jibril Mai-Gwari General Hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds on his abdomen and arm but passed on by 7:30am on Thursday.

Until his murder, Bugai was a strong pillar, pioneer member and also the Vice-Chairman of the Birnin-Gwari Orphans Foundation, which is an organisation devoted to taking care of thousands of Orphans left behind by mostly victims of banditry in the security ravaged local government.

A statement issued by the BEPU Chairman, Ishaq Usman Kasai further disclosed that in another sad development, around Sabon-Layi, Kurgi, Yelwa, Tashan-Keji, Shiwaka, Unguwan Danfulani and many more rural communities in western part of Birnin-Gwari who are sharing boundaries with Kamuku and Kuyambana Forests, which are serving as hideouts of the Bandits, large number of locals were also kidnapped on their farms.

“The bandits also herd over people’s farms in those areas where in the Sabon-layi Community alone, more than 10 farms (especially those with grown up maize) have been cleared deliberately by the bandits’ cattle. In fact, the bandits told the farmers to stop wasting their time going to farm in the area because even if they do, they will not allow them to harvest and may end up being killed or abducted.

 “On Friday 21/7/2023, the bandits invaded Ung. Bawa in Randagi Ward and kidnapped 28 persons including women and children and also killed 1 and shot 4 who are currently receiving medical attention at various health facilities. However, 13 out of the captives have managed to escape from the den.

“On Tuesday, bandits attacked Rafin Zango, around Eka Farm, and kidnapped two persons who were on their way coming back from Birnin-Gwari town heading to Gagumi Community. Also, on Wednesday, they invaded Unguwan Roka of Kakangi Ward, killed 1 person and kidnapped 9. On Thursday night, bandits came back to a nearby Community, Unguwan Danfulani, killed one person and kidnapped seven from one family.

“Earlier on the same Thursday, the bandits blocked traders and grain suppliers who were on their way from the western part to the Birnin-Gwari weekly Market. The bandits operated for about an hour and kidnapped six persons.

“We are deeply concerned that farmers continue to be attacked whenever they go to their farms. This poses serious danger to this year’s targeted farming outputs as about 70 per cent of farmlands are yet to be accessible. On Wednesday, four locals were kidnapped at their farms at Yelwa Community in Sabon-Layi axis.

“In fact, kidnapping and killing of locals at farms have become rampant in the entire Birnin-Gwari general area. Even today, Saturday, bandits abducted two farmers at Maraban Agyaro area of Gagumi axis. These incidents are just to mention but few”.
He said BEPU is deeply concerned that the killings and abductions of farmers in the Birnin-Gwari general area as it escalates on a daily basis, unchallenged and mostly unreported.

“In view of the situation, BEPU appreciates the determination of the new administration and the effort of the security agencies towards addressing the problem. The Union, however, appeal to the Federal Government to facilitate establishment of military detachments in Katakaki, Gagumi, Tashar-Keji and Bugai axis of the Western part of Birnin-Gwari where the Bandits Warloads are now using as their operational basis and continuously terrorising the Birnin-Gwari general area”.
Equally important, he said is the need for restoration of the Mobile Police Unit in Damari Community of the eastern part of the local government where bandits are using as a route in attacking many communities in the area.

“The victims of banditry continue to die due to poor medical attention as a result of inadequate staffing and equipment in the Jibril Mai-Gwari General Hospital. Only one medical doctor in the entire hospital. This is by far not proportionate to the population,” he explained.

“On this note, BEPU appeals to the Kaduna State Government to post more health personnel or recruit indigenous medical doctors who would be managing the Hospital as victims of banditry continue to die due to insufficient primary medical attention” he added.