A fresh security crisis has unfolded in the Wasagu area of Kebbi State as armed bandits reportedly abducted eight farmers and shot another on Saturday, local authorities confirmed.
The Chairman of Danko Wasagu Local Government, Hussaini Aliyu Bena, told our correspondent in a telephone interview that the attack occurred in the early afternoon while farmers were working in their fields.
“Eight of our farmers were taken away, and one person was shot. The injured victim is receiving treatment at the Wasagu General Hospital. We are working with security agencies to ensure the safe return of those abducted,” he said.
Okay News reports that Mr. Bena further confirmed the incident was promptly reported to the military, who were already on an operation in the area. The security forces are actively pursuing the perpetrators with the goal of rescuing the victims unharmed.
Residents of the community alleged that the gunmen, believed to have crossed from neighboring Zamfara State, stayed on the scene for several minutes before escaping with their victims. One resident, who identified himself as Sani, described the attack as terrifying.
“People are afraid to go back to the farms now. This is the second time in less than two weeks. We do not know what will happen next if nothing is done,” Sani said.
This latest attack follows an earlier incident this month in which over forty residents were abducted in the same area, highlighting a rising insecurity problem in Wasagu. Security analyst Bakatsine, who first raised alarm about the attacks on his X (formerly Twitter) account, said the repeated incidents indicate a weakening security environment.
“The situation in Wasagu is becoming desperate. We need urgent, coordinated action before these communities are completely overwhelmed,” Bakatsine warned.
Residents are appealing to both state and federal authorities to increase the presence of security personnel and take decisive action to curb the ongoing attacks. As of the time of filing this report, neither the Kebbi State Government nor security agencies have issued an official statement. Attempts to reach the state police command were unsuccessful, with the spokesman, Nafiu Abubakar, promising to respond but not returning subsequent calls.
