Bandits launched attacks on Kugauta and Kitanda communities in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State, abducting 22 residents.
The attacks occurred at around 10:30 pm on Friday 24th January 2025, according to Emmanuel Johnson, a resident and student pastor.
He revealed that bandits stormed Kitanda first, abducting 12 people, primarily women and children. They then proceeded to Kugauta, where they kidnapped 10 more residents.
Johnson expressed deep frustration over the ongoing insecurity, lamenting that only three police officers are stationed to protect the village and surrounding areas.
“Our communities are constantly under attack,” he said. “People are being kidnapped daily. The three police officers here cannot secure us. The government must show that we too are Nigerians with equal rights to protection.”
He disclosed that over ₦60 million has been paid in ransom, yet several residents remain in captivity.
The relentless attacks have forced many villagers to flee their homes, leaving the communities in despair.
Johnson further highlighted the residents’ struggles with poor infrastructure, including impassable roads, a lack of hospitals, and inadequate schools.
“We can’t even take our farm produce to market because the roads are impassable,” he lamented.
Johnson urged the government to take decisive action to address the escalating security threat. He called for the deployment of more security personnel, the establishment of police stations, and the setting up of Army Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in strategic locations.
He also emphasised the need for offensive operations to dismantle bandit camps in the region.
“These bandits have crippled our economy and pushed us further into poverty,” he said. “The government must act decisively to end this hardship.”
