Citizenship News
The Kebbi Development Forum (KDF) has expressed profound shock and condemnation over a series of barbaric attacks by the Lakurawa/Mamudawa terrorist group on rural communities in Shanga Local Government Area and Tsamiya Town in Illo District of Bagudo Local Government Area.
Communities in Shanga LGA, including Kalkami, Kawara, Dabe, and Binuwa, have been subjected to unprecedented violence, resulting in the wanton loss of lives and widespread devastation, according to a statement by the KDF Chairman, Dr Saidu Abubakar Illo.
“These attacks appear to constitute a deliberate scorched-earth campaign aimed at crippling affected communities and systematically destroying their economic base and social fabric. Reports indicate large-scale destruction of livelihoods, including the burning of food reserves and local shops, residential arson, and the targeting of critical infrastructure such as health facilities and places of worship,” Dr Abubakar said.
He added: “Numerous homes have been razed, leaving hundreds displaced.
In addition to those killed during the raids, KDF notes with deep sorrow that five residents fleeing the violence lost their lives in a tragic boat mishap.
“Similarly, the attack on Tsamiya Town in Illo District, which occurred in the early hours of today, claimed four lives, including the Chief Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO) of the area.
“KDF is deeply concerned by the recurring nature of these attacks and the apparent gaps in response. Reports suggest that earlier attacks on Kalkami and Kawara were brought to the attention of relevant security agencies; however, delays in mobilization may have emboldened the perpetrators, allowing them to extend their assault to Dabe and Binuwa- escalating a wave of terror that could have been mitigated by a swifter response.
“While acknowledging the efforts of the Kebbi State Government and the sacrifices of our security forces, the Forum notes that the evolving “strategic creep” of these attackers necessitates an urgent shift in operational tactics.
“KDF warns that the security situation is steadily slipping out of control and calls for a decisive transition to a more strategic, proactive, and intelligence-driven approach to curb the wave of bandit attacks across Kebbi State.
“The Forum questions the continued reliance on the same methods while expecting different outcomes. Beyond its earlier call to address the root causes of insecurity, KDF reiterates its demand for the empowerment of local institutions, particularly Local Governments, to effectively complement the efforts of state and federal authorities. This must be anchored on a unified, coordinated, and purposeful collaboration among all stakeholders.”
Dr Abubakar noted that the Forum extends its deepest sympathies to His Excellency, the Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris, and most especially to the families of those who have lost their loved ones.
“It also calls on the state government to establish a robust mechanism for compensating individuals and communities whose lives and properties have been affected by these senseless attacks.
“KDF remains committed to supporting the efforts of government and security agencies. Our intention in raising these concerns is to strengthen coordination, enhance accountability, and ultimately ensure a safer and more secure Kebbi State for all.”
