At least six farmers, including the vice-chairman of Jama’atul Izalatul Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus-Sunnah, JIBWIS, Yakubu Muhammad, were reportedly killed in a bandit attack in Birnin Gwari local area of Kaduna State.
Mr Mohammed died from gunshot wounds sustained during the attack on his farm on Wednesday.
This is contained in a statement issued by the chairman of the Birnin-Gwari Emirate Progressives Union, BEPU, Ishaq Usman, saying the terrorists abducted 40 farmers.
The group described the deceased as a dedicated member of the Birnin Gwari Orphans Foundation, which is committed to caring for thousands of orphans left behind by victims of armed banditry in the area.
The statement reads, “On Friday, 21/7/2023, bandits invaded Unguwar Bawa in Randagi Ward, kidnapping 28 people, including women and children.
“In subsequent attacks, two persons were kidnapped on Tuesday, 25/7/2023 near Eka Farm, and on Wednesday, 26/7/2023, nine people were kidnapped, and one person was killed in Unguwan Roka of Kakangi Ward.
“Additionally, four locals were kidnapped from their farms in Yelwa Community, Sabon-Layi axis.
“The bandits continued their rampage on Thursday night [27/7/2023] in Unguwan Danfulani, killing one person and kidnapping seven members from a single family.
“On the same day, they blocked traders and grain suppliers on their way to Birnin-Gwari weekly Market, kidnapping six persons during the hour-long operation.”
The union expressed concern over the continuous attacks on farmers, which led to approximately 70% of farmlands being inaccessible.
He noted that the development had jeopardised this year’s farming outputs.
Mr Usman therefore appealed to the Federal Government to establish military units in Katakaki, Gagumi, Tashar-Keji, and Bugai axis of the Western part of Birnin-Gwari.
The Kaduna State government and police authorities are yet to react to the attack as at the time of filing this report.
