Hailing from Katsina, farmer Sanusi Muhammad Burdugau urges the State Government and Malumfashi Local Government Council to reinstate the displaced Burdugau community members, enabling them to partake in rainy season agriculture.
Sanusi Muhammad Burdugau, from Burdugau community, highlighted in a statement to news outlets in Gusau, Zamfara State, that approximately three months prior, a man and eleven married women were abducted. Regrettably, four were freed following ransom payments, while the remaining individuals continue to be held captive by the kidnappers.
As per the provided statement, the Malumfashi Local Government Area, situated within Katsina State, has been significantly impacted by escalating security concerns. Sanusi Muhammad Burdugau further elaborated that the Northwest region, encompassing Katsina, Kebbi, Kaduna, Sokoto, and Zamfara States, is currently grappling with numerous security challenges, rendering the area highly insecure.
In Katsina State specifically, the local government areas most affected by the alarming surge in banditry and kidnappings are Malumfashi, Bakori, Faskari, and Kankara. This distressing situation has led to profound hardships and psychological distress for the residents of these regions, as they are subjected to the merciless whims of armed groups that roam towns and villages at will, causing widespread havoc.
Burdugau emphasized that these ongoing security issues have resulted in substantial setbacks on both social and economic fronts for the people of the affected local government areas. The gruesome acts of violence committed by these armed bandits, coupled with the abductions that demand ransom payments, have further exacerbated the already precarious situation.
Sanusi Muhammad Burdugau, a resident of Burdugau community in Malumfashi Local Government Area, expressed his concerns about the escalating security challenges plaguing Katsina State and the larger Northwest region. He acknowledged the efforts of the government and security agencies but emphasized that the situation appears to be beyond their control, as armed bandits exhibit a sense of impunity.
These criminal groups move freely across towns, villages, and markets, even purchasing food and other necessities while openly carrying AK-47 rifles. Unfortunately, Yansakai members, who are sometimes tasked with maintaining security, have been reported to commit severe human rights violations, leading to the loss of lives and property.
In a distressing event that occurred two months ago, Burdugau’s village fell victim to an armed bandit attack. Eleven individuals, including ten married women and one man, were abducted. After paying ransom, four were released, while the remaining seven remain captive. This incident forced the community to abandon their homes for safety, resulting in the village becoming a virtual ghost town.
Burdugau also highlighted the unlawful actions of the Yan’sakai members, who were allegedly hired from Bakori Local Government Area. These vigilantes were responsible for the brutal killings of six innocent people within a week in their town. Moreover, they have been reported to break into and loot community properties, burning shops, houses, and committing other barbaric acts, causing the remaining residents to flee for their safety.
