Terrorists Return To Kebbi Community, Abduct Dozens

Residents of Alelu, Kimba and Jandutsi communities in Jega Local Government Area of Kebbi State have fled their homes following renewed attacks by armed men suspected to be Lakurawa terrorists, who reportedly killed residents, abducted dozens of people and demanded ₦200 million in ransom. The attacks have forced families to seek refuge in Jega town, where many are struggling to find accommodation, food and other basic necessities while searching for relatives taken away by the assailants. Residents recounted how the armed men invaded their communities, opened fire and stormed houses, abducting women, children and other residents. Some residents estimated that more than 60 people were abducted, with others putting the figure at about 80. A community representative said some of the abducted residents had reportedly been released following negotiations or other interventions, while others remained in captivity. The representative also said residents had heard reports that the abductors were demanding ₦200 million for the release of their victims. The ransom demand could not be independently verified. According to Abdullahi's report, Alelu, one of the affected communities, had suffered repeated attacks by suspected bandits, forcing residents to abandon their homes. The community was recently visited by Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, who went there to commiserate with residents over the security situation. However, residents said the suspected attackers returned after the governor's visit and abducted dozens of people. Some residents estimated that more than 60 people were taken away, while others put the number at about 80. The reporter described deserted roads and residents gathering their belongings as they fled amid fears of further attacks. The renewed violence has forced families to leave behind their houses, property and livelihoods as they seek safety in Jega. Residents said the repeated attacks had made it increasingly difficult for them to remain in their communities, with some alleging that the assailants had threatened to continue tormenting them. A displaced woman, who was carrying a baby on her back, said the gunmen had attacked her household and abducted members of her family. She said the attackers had warned residents that they would not allow them to live in peace. “They came and abducted three women. They killed two people, while four were abducted. They told us that they won't allow us to have peace within a year, that they will come and torment us,” she said. The woman said residents had endured years of hardship because of the insecurity, which had prevented them from farming and earning a living. She explained that many families fled towards Jega when the attackers arrived with guns, leaving their belongings behind. “Now, we are here in Jega, and we have nowhere to stay. We are suffering. Some of us have young children, and we do not even know where some of our family members are,” she said. Another woman said the gunmen had repeatedly returned to the community after earlier attacks, leaving residents increasingly afraid to remain in their homes. She said the attackers had struck during the day, firing their weapons and forcing residents to flee. “They came during the day and began shooting. They attacked us, and we had to flee. They told us they would not leave us in peace,” she said. The attacks have also disrupted farming and trading, leaving families without their usual sources of income.