Bandits have kidnapped 30 villagers and killed a prominent Islamic scholar and the Vice-Chairman of Jama’atul Izalatul Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus-Sunnah (JIBWIS), Birnin-Gwari Branch, Mal. Yakubu Muhammad Bugai and three other farmers when stormed some communities in Birnin Gwari’s local government area of Kaduna state.
In a statement issued by the chairman of the Birnin-Gwari Emirate Progressives Union (BEPU), Ishaq Usman Kasai and made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Saturday said, the “JIBWIS leader, was shot on Wednesday 26/7/2023 at his farm located around Rema area and was later evaluated and taken to Jibril Mai-Gwari General Hospital after sustaining gunshots on his abdomen and arm.”
Regrettably, the statement added that “he passed on by 7:30 am the following day (27/7/2023). Until his murder, Mal Yakubu 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 armed banditry in the security-ravaged-area.
“Around Sabon-Layi, Kurgi, Yelwa, Tashan-Keji, Shiwaka, Unguwan Danfulani and many more rural communities in the 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 kidnapped at their farms.
“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 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 25/7/2023, the 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 26/7/2023, they invaded Unguwan Roka of Kakangi Ward, killed 1 person and kidnapped 9. On Thursday night (27/7/2023), the bandits came back to a nearby community, Unguwan Danfulani, killed 1 person and kidnapped 7 from one family.
“Earlier on the same day Thursday 27/7/2023, 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 6 persons.
“We are deeply concerned that farmers continued to be attacked whenever they go to their farms. This poses serious danger to this year’s targeted farming outputs as about 70% of farmlands are yet to be accessible. On Wednesday 26/7/2023, four locals were kidnapped at their farms in the Yelwa community in the Sabon-Layi axis.
“In fact, kidnapping and killings of locals at farms have become rampant in the entire Birnin-Gwari general area. Even today Saturday, the bandits abducted two farmers at the Maraban Agyaro area of the Gagumi axis.”
In view of the situation, the statement opined that, “BEPU appreciates the determination of the new administration and effort of the security agencies towards addressing the problem. The union, however, appeals to the Federal Government to facilitate the establishment of military detachments in Katakaki, Gagumi, Tashar-Keji and Bugai axis of the Western part of Birnin-Gwari which the bandits’ warlords are now using as their operational basis and continuously terrorizing the Birnin-Gwari general area.
“Equally important, there is a need for restoration of Mobile Police Unit in Damari community of the eastern part of the Local Government which bandits are using as a route in attacking many communities in the area.
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