Escalating Violence Forces Mass Displacement in Kano State
Residents of border communities in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State have been forced to flee their homes due to a series of banditry attacks that have left several villages abandoned in the past week. The displacement has led to a surge in refugees seeking shelter in nearby areas, with many families leaving behind their homes, farms, and livestock out of sheer fear.
A Growing Crisis
The affected communities include Santar Abuja, Unguwar Kudu, Yan Kwada, Malamai, and others, where entire households have vacated their homes. One displaced resident, Sabiu Bako (not his real name), described the situation as unbearable. He shared how his family has been living in constant fear, often fleeing to Faruruwa or Shanono town for safety. “We haven’t been at home between Saturday and Thursday. We are always afraid because they can come anytime,” he said. His family, including four wives and 24 children, now resides in other people’s homes in Faruruwa.
Overcrowded Shelters
Community leaders in Faruruwa have reported that their homes are overcrowded, with people sleeping in compounds and even on the streets. One leader described the situation as beyond imagination, emphasizing the desperate need for relief. “I cannot tell you the number of people inside my house. It is filled. Some even sleep in the compound,” he said.
Another elderly resident mentioned that his extended family, including children, spouses, and grandchildren, are taking refuge in Faruruwa, while some relatives have moved to urban Kano for safety. A senior community leader described the exodus as alarming, noting that entire villages have been emptied as people flee daily in search of safety.
Impact on Women and Children
Women and children have also been deeply affected by the crisis. Aisha Muhammad, one of Bako’s wives, recounted her experience of fleeing in the middle of the night after hearing gunshots. “We just picked our children and ran barefoot. We didn’t even lock the doors. We came here with nothing, except the cloths we were wearing,” she said. The children still sleep in fear, crying whenever they hear any sound.
Hauwa Ibrahim, a mother of six from Unguwar Tsamiya, spoke about surviving on food donations from Faruruwa residents. “It’s been five days now and we haven’t gone back home. We cook with other women, sharing whatever anyone brings,” she said. Her husband checks their farm but returns before noon.
Desperation and Fear
For Rabi Sani, life has become unbearable. She doesn’t know where her husband is, as he was on his farm when the attacks started. “We ran to Faruruwa and haven’t seen him since. I am taking care of my three children alone,” she said tearfully. Fatima Yusuf, a young mother from Goron Dutse, described the crowded conditions in Faruruwa, where women share a single room. “We sleep on mats. The place is crowded; and we can hardly breathe at night. Some of the children are sick, coughing and having fever because of the cold,” she said.
Maryam Bello, another displaced woman, highlighted the loss of livelihood. “Our millet and maize farms are there, but we can’t go back. Everything is wasting. My husband says he will try to harvest secretly next week, but we are scared that he might not return,” she said.
Governor Commends Military Response
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has commended the Nigerian army and other security agencies for their swift response to recent banditry attacks. During a visit to the Government House, the governor praised the military for their dedication and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing competent service chiefs committed to national security. He announced the donation of 10 Hilux trucks and 60 motorcycles to the Joint Task Force operating in the affected areas.
Troops on the Ground
Major-General Abubakar Sadiq Muhammad Wase, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army, visited troops at Farin Ruwa and Tsaure Forward Operating Bases in Shanono Local Government Area. During the visit, he commended the troops for their bravery and professionalism during recent operations against bandits. He charged them to remain resolute and maintain high operational standards to rid the area of criminal elements.
The GOC also toured the Kano-Katsina border, identifying it as a major bandit crossing point, and urged troops to remain vigilant and sustain close collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders. Troops on the ground include personnel from 3 Brigade, Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Civilian Joint Task Force.
