Residents of Dokan Karji community, in Kauru LGA of Kaduna State, have appealed to the Federal Government to urgently deploy military forces to halt the constant abduction and killing of their kinsmen by bandits.
They also appealed to the Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, to urgently address the security challenges facing the community.
In a statement issued by the Youth Leader, Aminu Khalid, the community lamented that the constant attacks have left residents in fear for their lives, prompting many to flee to safer areas.
The community’s appeal came in the wake of the latest attacks that left over 14 villages overrun by bandits.
The youth leader explained that Dokan Karji is the largest community in the area, disclosing that over 50 people have so far been killed and over 170 abducted from April to date.
According to him, many members of the community have been in the custody of the bandits for over six months, even as more than N700 million has been paid as ransom.
He added, “Dokan Karji, a peaceful farming community where economic activities thrive, has now become a hotspot for bandit activity.
“The absence of military protection has emboldened the criminals, leading to frequent kidnapping, killings and the displacement of hundreds of residents.
“The recent attack on the farmers is a stark reminder of the deteriorating security situation in our area.”
Khalid added that many families have continued to endure several tragedies at the hands of the bandits as a result of the loss of their loved ones and emphasized that their only hope for survival is for the military and the Federal Government to act swiftly.
He said, “We are appealing for the Chief of Defense Staff to come to the rescue of our endangered communities that have suffered brutal attacks and constant killings of our kinsmen.”
He commended the Sector 7 Commander, LT. Col. Osuake, for his efforts in combating bandit activities in the area.
According to him, “Col. Osuake has fought gallantly in trying to restore peace in our communities, and he deserves our commendation at all times.”
Kaduna community cries out for help over incessant bandit attacks