- The terrorists invade farms using their cattles to destroy crops and livelihood
- 70% of the area’s farmlands are now inaccessible
In a shocking incident in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State, bandits reportedly killed six farmers, including the vice-chairman of Jama’atul Izalatul Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus-Sunnah (JIBWIS), Yakubu Muhammad. The onslaught occurred on Mr. Muhammad’s farm on Wednesday, leaving him fatally injured from gunshot wounds. This information was shared in a press release by the Birnin-Gwari Emirate Progressives Union (BEPU) Chairman, Ishaq Usman.
According to the statement, the assailants also kidnapped 40 individuals. The late Mr. Muhammad was recognized as a devoted member of the Birnin Gwari Orphans Foundation, a group dedicated to providing for the numerous orphans left in the wake of the region’s persistent armed banditry.
The statement detailed a series of events: “On Friday, 21/7/2023, bandits stormed Unguwar Bawa in Randagi Ward, kidnapping 28 individuals, predominantly women and children. Following this, two individuals were abducted near Eka Farm on Tuesday, 25/7/2023, and nine more were kidnapped from Unguwan Roka of Kakangi Ward on Wednesday, 26/7/2023, where one person was also killed. The bandits extended their terror to Yelwa Community, Sabon-Layi axis, kidnapping four locals from their farms.”
The union’s report also recounted the horrifying incident from Thursday night [27/7/2023] in Unguwan Danfulani, where one person was killed and seven family members were taken hostage. The statement added, “They also disrupted the Birnin-Gwari weekly Market, kidnapping six individuals.”
The continuous attacks have rendered around 70% of the area’s farmlands inaccessible, posing a serious threat to this year’s farming output. In light of these events, Mr. Usman implored the Federal Government to set up military units in different parts of the Western region of Birnin-Gwari, including Katakaki, Gagumi, Tashar-Keji, and Bugai.
As of this report’s filing, neither the Kaduna State government nor the police authorities have issued a response to the attack.
SOURCE: Daily Nigerian
IMAGE: The Vanguard
