Chief Bitrus James, the pioneer ruler of Dnata chiefdom in Tafa Town along the Abuja-Kaduna highway, expressed deep concern over the impact of bandit activities on the communities under his rulership. In a recent interview with Daily Trust, Chief James lamented that bandits have forced his subjects to abandon farming activities, severely affecting their livelihoods.
The monarch’s community was established in 2022 when it was carved out of Kagarko by the former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai. Chief James highlighted six communities – Gadunda, Kwakulu, Jida, Isa, Kuyeri, and Mpape – that are currently under siege by bandits.
According to Chief James, the bandits raided Gadunda on December 2, 2023, instructing villagers to leave and only return upon paying a hefty ransom of N10 million. In a grim turn of events, the assailants subjected the villagers’ wives to rape and forced them to cook for the bandits.
The other five communities experienced similar criminal activities, with an estimated 300 to 500 kidnappers operating in the areas. Bandit operations escalated from December 24 onwards, as they moved from one community to another, unabatedly abducting victims.
Chief James emphasized the need for a collaborative effort among neighboring states to address the escalating security challenges. He proposed allocating 100 hectares of land for a military barracks and urged key figures, including the governor, Senator Uba Sani, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Chief of Defence Staff, to unite in tackling the pressing security concerns in the region.
The chief underscored the urgency of addressing the threats posed by the invading terrorists to the livelihoods of his people, predominantly farmers, in the strategic proximity to Abuja.
IMAGE: Nigerian news sphere
