Bandits who were believed to be ‘repentant’ on Monday morning killed an unspecified number of farmers and abducting nearly 20 others in the Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
A source in Birnin Gwari, who confirmed the attack in a message sent to SaharaReporters, said the incident occurred at about 11am in Layin Danauta village.
According to the source, the armed bandits stormed farmlands located north of the village and opened fire on farmers in what was described as a guerrilla-style attack.
The source said seven women and about 15 men were abducted during the attack, although the figures remained preliminary.
Several farmers were also injured, while local residents and volunteers continued search-and-recovery efforts late into the night.
SaharaReporters learnt that as of 11:30pm, six bodies had been recovered from the attack scene, while efforts were ongoing to locate other victims. Community sources fear the death toll could rise as more casualties are accounted for.
The exact number of those killed, injured and abducted has yet to be officially confirmed.
SaharaReporters had on Saturday reported that there was a protest against the so-called “repentant” bandits in Birnin Gwari town, the headquarters of Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The protest was sparked by the killing of Ibrahim Adamu, who was reportedly murdered by bandits along the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road, as well as the kidnapping of farmers in a village within the Birnin Gwari area.
The deceased, a commercial driver, is said to be a grandson of a traditional ruler in the Birnin Gwari Emirate.
A source in the town confirmed the development to SaharaReporters in a message.
According to the source, angry residents, mainly youths, took to the streets, chasing herders and other Fulani residents out of the town. The situation could have escalated into a breakdown of law and order but for the swift intervention of security forces.
The source added that the protest was eventually brought under control following the intervention of traditional rulers and community leaders. It was further gathered that herders and other Fulani travelling in and out of the town fled for fear of possible reprisals.