RESIDENTS of Yan Kwada village in Faruruwa community, Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, are living in heightened fear after armed bandits stormed the village on Sunday night, abducting five women, including nursing mothers, in a sudden and violent attack.
Local witnesses told News Point Nigeria that the attackers arrived in large numbers around 9pm, shooting wildly into the air to disperse villagers before forcing their way into targeted homes.
“They came as usual, shooting sporadically and breaking into houses,” one resident, who requested anonymity due to safety concerns, explained.
“They kidnapped five women, including mothers with babies. We couldn’t resist because they were many and heavily armed.”
The source said two of the abducted women later regained their freedom under circumstances that remain unclear. However, three victims are still being held by the attackers whose location remains unknown.
“We thank God two women managed to return, but we still don’t know the fate of the others,” he added.
The latest assault occurred barely a week after a major joint security operation reportedly neutralized at least 19 bandits during a fierce gun duel in the same area, a corridor that borders Katsina State and has become a notorious infiltration route for criminal gangs fleeing military heat.
Despite the recent operation, villagers say the bandits continue to return aggressively, attacking softer rural targets.
“We are not safe. Many communities around here have been deserted,” another villager said.
“Some people have already relocated to Faruruwa town and even cities to escape these attacks.”
Residents complain that the attacks have become routine, often occurring at night when security presence is thin and communication for reinforcement takes too long.
Community leaders are now urging the Kano State Government and security agencies to intensify operations and establish permanent forward-operating bases in the border communities to prevent further incursions.
Some households have already relocated livestock and valuables to safer areas, fearing that the criminals may return for more.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kano State Police Command has not released an official statement on the incident.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for comments were unsuccessful.