The wave of bandit attacks sweeping across Kebbi State has left residents gripped by fear, deepening concerns over the government’s ability to restore peace in the troubled border communities.
It was gathered that the sustained attacks across Kebbi’s southern axis, particularly in areas like Danko Wasagu, Sakaba, and Shanga, have left communities on edge, with locals fleeing their homes in droves.
Earlier in the week, armed bandits invaded several villages in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area, where at least ten persons were reportedly abducted, including women and children.
This renewed wave of attacks has triggered more concern, coming just days after the abduction of the Deputy Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Alhaji Muhammad Sama’ila-Bagudo, a development that further exposed the fragility of security within the region.
A resident whose 12-year-old son was recently rescued after being abducted told DAILY POST that the situation has become unbearable.
“People are being rescued today, and tomorrow you will hear about another abduction,” he lamented.
“We no longer sleep peacefully. Everyone is living in fear,” he added.
The insecurity has worsened despite repeated rescue operations carried out by the police and troops of the Nigerian Army, as the bandits continue to operate with near impunity in remote areas.
While security forces have recorded some successes in intercepting criminals and rescuing victims, locals say these efforts have not translated into lasting peace. Many believe that without a firm and coordinated response, the crisis may push more communities into displacement.
Residents are appealing to both the state and federal governments to intensify efforts and deploy more security personnel to vulnerable areas to end what they described as “a cycle of recurring tragedy.”
Border-forest sanctuaries in Zamfara and nearby states remain a major concern, as local officials describe a pattern in which bandits melt into bushland across state lines after attacks, complicating pursuit and prosecution.
The cross-border nature of the violence has also strained local coordination, with communities calling for improved information-sharing between security agencies of neighbouring states.
The government’s response so far has been a mix of raids, arrests, and rescue missions. But with attacks continuing and high-profile abductions unresolved, residents say their confidence is eroding.
“We thank God for those rescued,” said Hussaini Aliyu Bena, Chairman of Danko‑Wasagu Local Government Area, adding: “but who will sleep when we wake up to news that another village has been taken?”
Residents warned that without decisive and sustained action, the region’s fragile sense of security could collapse entirely.