From Maryam Ahmadu-Suka, Kaduna
Akurmi community in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State has raised an alarm over sustained killings and kidnappings by bandits, lamenting that 59 of its people have remained in captivity since October 2025.
Leaders of the community said no fewer than 12 residents were killed while dozens were abducted in a string of attacks that have left villages deserted, farmlands abandoned and families traumatised.
Addressing a press conference in Kaduna, the Akurmi Development Association (AKURDA) said the wave of violence across their settlements in the last four months has pushed the people to the brink.
AKURDA President, Yakubu J. Maigamo, who addressed journalists, questioned the seeming neglect of the community in the face of repeated attacks.
“Are we still part of Nigeria? Or have Akurmi lives become disposable?” he asked.
Maigamo said what used to be thriving ancestral farmlands have now turned into “graveyards and forests of fear,” as gunmen invade villages at will, killing men and whisking away women and children.
He said the attacks have been systematic and devastating, affecting several communities across Lere and neighbouring local governments.
He cited Karku-Ningi in Kauru LGA where four persons were killed and nine kidnapped during an October 2025 raid.
He also listed Gidan-Waya, Jan-Tsauni and Mai-Yamma in Lere LGA where another four people were killed and 13 abducted in November 2025.
According to him, more abductions and killings were recorded in Majagada, Gurza, Garun-Kurama and Biman-Kurama communities within the period under review.
Maigamo disclosed that many of those abducted since October last year are still in captivity, with families forced to sell off harvested grains meant to sustain them through the year to pay ransoms.
He described the bandits as operating with “absolute impunity,” alleging that the attackers strike repeatedly without resistance or consequence.
While acknowledging efforts by the Federal Government and the Kaduna State Government to address insecurity, the community leader said the response has been grossly insufficient to stem the tide of attacks on Akurmi settlements.
He said the continued silence and slow response from authorities have emboldened the attackers and deepened the people’s sense of abandonment.
The association issued a direct appeal to Governor Uba Sani to order an immediate and permanent deployment of security personnel to Akurmi communities to prevent further attacks.
It also demanded a coordinated, high-level intelligence operation aimed specifically at rescuing all abductees still in captivity.
Maigamo further called for thorough investigation, arrest and prosecution of those behind the attacks as well as any collaborators aiding the criminals.
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