Farmers in Old Kuyello and neighboring villages in Kaduna State’s Birnin Gwari Local Government Area are living in fear, abandoning their crops unharvested as bandits continue to terrorize the area.
Despite ongoing military operations, the bandits’ grip on the region remains tight, leaving farmers vulnerable to abduction and extortion.
A community leader, who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons, shared his personal ordeal with Daily Trust on Tuesday.
He said, “Two of my brothers have been kidnapped by the bandits. We cannot go to our farms. The military recently attacked the bandits, recovering cattle and seizing their motorcycles, but now, anyone abducted must pay N2 million and provide a new motorcycle before being released.”
His said his sibling was taken from his farm while his children were present, and he remains in captivity.
The affected villages, including Kwasakwasa, Unguwar Makera, and Unguwar Gwandu, are crying out for help. The community is urging security forces to maintain a sustained presence in the area after clearing bandit camps to prevent the bandits from returning and wreaking havoc.
The Economics of Fear
Banditry has crippled the local economy, with farmers unable to tend to their crops. The ransom demands, estimated at N2 million and a new motorcycle per abducted person, have become a lucrative business for the bandits. This has created an atmosphere of fear, where farmers are forced to choose between their livelihoods and their lives.
Research has shown that rural banditry has devastating effects on local economies, perpetuating a cycle of violence and insecurity. The Kamuku forest in Birnin Gwari has been identified as a hotspot for bandit activity, with studies highlighting the need for sustained military presence and community engagement to combat the issue.
A Call to Action
The people of Birnin Gwari are not alone in their struggle. It is imperative that the government and security forces take decisive action to protect these communities and restore peace to the region. The community leader’s words serve as a stark reminder: “We cannot go to our farms… anyone abducted must pay N2 million and provide a motorcycle before being released.” It is time to break this cycle of fear and ensure that farmers can return to their fields without fear of abduction or violence.