Alkaleri Emerges as a New Center for Banditry Activities

A fresh wave of bandit activities is impacting various communities within Bauchi State, leading to numerous fatalities, abductions, and a mass exodus of locals seeking safety. Reports indicate that in recent weeks, many residents have been killed, wounded, or kidnapped, forcing families to flee their homes, as gathered by Weekend Trust.

Parts of Darazo and Burra District in Darazo and Ningi local government areas have suffered from violent incidents over the past two years, despite attempts by security forces to control the situation. The escalation of violence has now extended to Alkaleri LGA, jeopardizing numerous communities and causing the deaths and injuries of many individuals, including security personnel.

The recent surge in violence has particularly affected neighborhoods in Gwana and Duguri districts within Alkaleri. Other impacted areas include Digare, Kargo, Yelo, Kare-Kare, Digau, Tabanni, Ruga, Bunga, Futuk, and Mansur. As a result, many residents have abandoned their homes in search of safety.

On Sunday, February 22, around 5:30 p.m., a large group of armed bandits stormed the Gwana community on motorcycles. They reportedly engaged soldiers stationed at a military camp in a gunfight, claiming the lives of two soldiers and prompting other military personnel to flee.

The assailants subsequently infiltrated the community, where they killed five individuals and abducted five others, including Jarman Gwana, Titi Gwana, and Adamu Danladi Gwana. As of the latest updates, those abducted remain missing.

Malam Danladi Gwana, the father of one abduction victim, Adamu, reported that banditry has significantly increased in Alkaleri in recent days. Numerous residents have fled their communities due to continuous attacks. He described how the attackers strike at their discretion, terrorizing residents day and night, killing, abducting, and looting essential supplies, particularly food.

According to Danladi, the bandits' initial attack on Gwana occurred on Thursday, February 19, leading to the loss of five lives, including a married woman, and five abductions. Their apparent aim was to kill Adamu, who narrowly escaped being captured when the bandits arrived at their household.

Malam Muhammad Sani, a resident of Kafin-Duguri, detailed a separate incident the following Friday when bandits attacked his village. He recounted that the assailants originated from the Dajin Mada Forest, killing four locals and injuring seven others.

He noted that the local hunters succeeded in neutralizing over 20 bandits during the encounter, recalling that the attackers caught the community off guard as they prepared for evening prayers. Thankfully, local vigilantes and hunters managed to engage the bandits in a firefight, contributing to the demise of several of the attackers, although the community suffered losses.

Malam Sani expressed concerns about the insufficient security presence in Duguri, indicating that law enforcement personnel typically only deployed for patrols or upon request. Nonetheless, he acknowledged the swift response of Governor Bala Mohammed, who visited the community following the attack and provided financial support to the affected families.

In the wake of ongoing banditry, another resident from Digare revealed that the resurgence of these criminal acts has been noticeable for approximately three months, with recent weeks seeing a spike in attacks. While security personnel are present in certain major towns in Alkaleri, the residents believe the bandits maintain a firepower advantage.

A community member recounted the bandits’ initial attack on Digare, which resulted in a woman's death and the abduction of six individuals, while ransom demands followed for the safe return of those kidnapped. Another resident lamented that various nearby villages and communities remain deserted, with people retreating to safer areas.

Reports highlight that villages bordering Plateau and Taraba states have become increasingly vacated, with the occupants relocating to places perceived as secure. The frequency of bandit incursions in Gwana and Duguri districts reportedly occurs almost every day, with residents witnessing armed groups moving unimpeded in communities close to the borders of Taraba and Plateau states.

The intervention strategies of these bandits mirror incidents occurring in states like Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto, characterized by armed assaults against targeted communities, instilling fear among residents. Notably, unlike their counterparts in Zamfara and other states, the bandits in Bauchi have not implemented community levies as a tactic.

From inquiries, it appears that the ongoing violence is linked to the arrest and continued detention of Kachalla Gambo, an alleged bandits’ leader who had purportedly renounced his criminal ways. Following his detention, community members report an upsurge in violent assaults, seemingly led by Gambo’s brother, who aims to compel government action regarding the release of his sibling.

Authorities highlight the importance of gathering intelligence to mount effective countermeasures against the bandits. Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed the disturbances in Alkaleri, assuring residents that steps are being taken to bolster security in the affected areas, including deploying additional personnel.

In a bid to combat these pressing threats, Governor Bala A. Mohammed has called on residents to muster courage and self-defense capabilities against banditry, assuring them of government support in securing necessary resources and training.

In conclusion, retired Brigadier General Ibrahim has advocated for a collaborative effort between the government and community members to address the menace of banditry, underscoring the importance of unity in mitigating this escalating crisis and restoring peace to the affected regions.