The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has urged communities in Katsina State entering into peace agreements with bandits to ensure such arrangements do not grant the gunmen freedom to attack neighbouring states.
He warned that peace deals must not become a license for criminal groups to cross borders and unleash violence on surrounding communities.
Sanusi gave the advice during a sympathy visit to residents of communities recently attacked by bandits in Bagwai and Shanono Local Government Areas of Kano State.
While commiserating with the victims, the Emir encouraged them to promptly report any suspicious activity to security agencies, stressing that vigilance remains crucial in curbing insecurity.
He commended the Kano State Government for its proactive steps in preventing the infiltration of armed groups into the state, noting that such efforts have helped avert wider devastation.
Fresh Panic in Shanono as Bandits Abduct Five Women
Tension has again gripped residents of Yan Kwada village in the Faruruwa community of Shanono LGA following a violent attack by bandits on November 9, during which five women—including nursing mothers—were abducted.
Local sources say the attackers, armed and in large numbers, invaded the village at night, shooting into the air to instill fear before breaking into homes to seize their victims.
“They came as usual, shooting sporadically and breaking into houses. They abducted five women, including nursing mothers. We couldn’t do anything because they were many and heavily armed,” a resident told reporters, requesting anonymity for fear of reprisal.
Two of the abducted women were said to have regained their freedom under unclear circumstances, while three others remain in captivity. “We don’t know their condition or where they were taken,” the resident added.
The latest assault occurred less than a week after a joint military operation reportedly engaged bandits in the same axis, killing 19 of them in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
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