Hold on tight, folks! The situation in Kaduna is getting real, real scary. Bandits are running wild, and innocent people are paying the price. In a series of heartless attacks, they’ve snatched 22 people, leaving communities in terror and demanding action. This isn’t just another news story; it’s a desperate cry for help from those facing unimaginable fear.
Here’s a quick rundown of what’s going on:
- Night Raids: Bandits stormed Kugauta and Kitanda, two communities within the Kumana Chiefdom, in separate attacks on Friday night.
- Kidnapping Spree: They abducted 12 people from Kitanda, mostly women and children, and then 10 more from Kugauta.
- Community Fear: Residents are living in constant fear due to continuous attacks, with limited police protection.
- Ransom Nightmare: Over N60 million has already been paid to free kidnapped locals, yet many are still in captivity.
- Desperate Plea: Residents are calling on the government to provide security and end their daily struggle with poverty and insecurity.
The Night of Terror in Kaduna
Imagine being in your home on a Friday night when suddenly, chaos erupts. That’s exactly what happened in Kugauta and Kitanda. Around 10:30 pm, these communities were targeted by suspected bandits. Emmanuel Johnson, a resident and student pastor, described a scene of terror as the bandits stormed in. First, they attacked Kitanda, grabbing 12 people, including women and children. Then, they moved to Kugauta, taking 10 more lives into their wicked grasp.
A Community’s Cry for Help
Residents are not just dealing with kidnappings; they are in a daily fight for survival. Johnson described how the communities are constantly under attack, adding that with only three police officers to secure the villages, they are left utterly vulnerable. “Our communities are constantly under attack. People are being kidnapped daily,” he lamented. “The three police officers here cannot secure us. The government must show that we, too, are Nigerians with equal protection rights.” These are not just numbers; these are real people’s lives, turned upside down by violence.
The Price of Insecurity
The bandits have not only caused fear but have crippled the local economy. Johnson mentioned over N60 million has already been paid in ransom, and yet many residents remain in captivity. As a result, many people have abandoned their homes, fleeing to other regions or states for safety. The situation is so critical that residents are struggling to get their farm produce to the market due to terrible road conditions. Poor infrastructure, inadequate schools, and a lack of hospitals further worsen the daily lives of these communities.
Demanding Government Action
The local communities are demanding immediate action from the government. They need more security personnel, more police stations, and more army presence. They are calling for Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) to be set up in the region. Moreover, they want the government to take the fight to the bandits, dismantle their camps, and bring an end to this hardship. “These bandits have crippled our economy and pushed us further into poverty. The government must act decisively to end this hardship,” Johnson stated.
The Kaduna situation is more than just a local problem; it’s a national emergency that demands urgent attention. These are not just numbers; they are Nigerian citizens, who, just like everyone else, deserve safety and security.
What’s next?
The absence of a response from the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, is concerning. The community’s urgent plea must be addressed. The time for words is over; it’s time for action. The lives of the people of Kaduna depend on it.