Kehinde Fajobi
A youth group in Dokan Daji, Southern Kaduna, has called on the military for urgent intervention as bandit attacks have reportedly overrun more than 14 communities in the region.
Aminu Khalid, leader of the group, described the persistent violence as devastating, leaving their communities vulnerable and insecure.
He noted that Dokan Karji, the largest community in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has been particularly impacted.
“Over 50 people have been killed, and more than 170 abducted since April. Many have been held captive for over six months, with over ₦700 million paid as ransom,” Khalid stated in a press release.
He appealed to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the Federal Government to deploy military forces to curb the ongoing kidnappings and killings.
Khalid said the region’s insecurity has worsened, displacing hundreds of residents and forcing many to abandon their homes.
“Dokan Karji was once a peaceful farming community where economic activities thrived. Now, it has become a hotspot for bandit activities. The absence of military protection has emboldened the attackers,” he lamented.
The recent attack on farmers, he added, serves as a grim reminder of the deteriorating security situation in Southern Kaduna.
“Families continue to endure tragic losses, with many still mourning loved ones or struggling to pay ransoms for abducted relatives.
“Our only hope for survival lies in swift action by the military and the Federal Government. We appeal to the Chief of Defence Staff to rescue our endangered communities that have endured brutal attacks and constant killings,” Khalid said.
Despite the dire circumstances, Khalid acknowledged the efforts of the Sector 7 Commander in combating banditry.
“He has fought gallantly to restore peace in our communities, and he deserves our commendation,” Khalid noted.