A youth group in Southern Kaduna has raised alarm over the devastating attacks ravaging their communities, leaving a trail of death, kidnappings, and destruction.
According to the group, 50 lives have been lost, 170 people kidnapped, and over ₦700 million paid in ransom within just seven months.
The leader of the group, Aminu Khalid, issued an urgent appeal to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the Federal Government to intervene immediately.
“Dokan Karji, our largest community in Kauru Local Government Area, has become a war zone,” Khalid said in a statement on Monday.
“We Are Under Siege”
The once-thriving farming community of Dokan Karji has turned into a hotspot for bandit activities.
Khalid described the deteriorating situation as unbearable, with residents forced to abandon their homes and livelihoods to seek refuge elsewhere.
“Dokan Karji was once a peaceful farming community where economic activities flourished. Today, it is a hotspot for bandits,” he lamented.
He added that the absence of military presence in the area has emboldened the attackers, who operate with impunity.
“Without protection, the bandits feel invincible,” Khalid stressed.
Displacement and Despair
Over 14 communities in Southern Kaduna have been sacked by the relentless attacks, leaving hundreds displaced.
“The attacks have displaced many families, forcing them to live in constant fear and uncertainty,” Khalid said.
He highlighted the plight of farmers in the region, who are now unable to return to their fields.
“The recent attack on farmers is a stark reminder of how bad things have become,” he added.
The youth leader also shed light on the long-term suffering of families torn apart by the violence.
“Many of those kidnapped have been in captivity for over six months,” he revealed.
Military Urged to Act
In his statement, Khalid called on the military and the Federal Government to take swift and decisive action.
“Our only hope for survival lies in immediate intervention,” he said.
He appealed directly to General Musa to rescue the endangered communities before the situation spirals further out of control.
“We need the Federal Government to deploy more military forces to secure our lives and properties,” Khalid pleaded.
Despite the grim situation, Khalid acknowledged the efforts of the Sector 7 Commander, who he said has fought gallantly against the bandits.
“He deserves commendation for his bravery and efforts to restore peace in our communities,” Khalid noted.
A History of Violence
For years, Southern Kaduna has been a flashpoint of violence, with banditry, communal clashes, and kidnappings crippling the region.
Experts say the area’s rugged terrain and lack of adequate security make it a haven for criminal groups.
Previous attempts to tackle insecurity in the region have failed to yield lasting results, leaving residents disillusioned and vulnerable.
