Gunmen, believed to be bandits, have once again struck Bena village and surrounding areas in Kebbi State, abducting 16 people. The attack took place in the Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, as local farmers worked on their guinea corn fields. This incident is the latest in a series of similar kidnappings that have plagued the region, leaving the community on edge as they enter a vital harvest season.
The Secretary of the Security Committee in Wasagu, Lawali Umar, confirmed the incident, explaining that the bandits ambushed the farmers as they tended to their crops. The kidnappers reportedly captured several individuals on the spot, making a sudden and violent strike on the unsuspecting workers.
Lawali Umar also shared details about another recent attack in the Tudun Wada area, where bandits kidnapped six individuals in a similar ambush. Security forces quickly responded to the Tudun Wada incident, engaging in a gunfight with the armed criminals. Fortunately, the army personnel succeeded in rescuing all six hostages from that particular raid, with no reported casualties.
Of the 16 initially taken from Bena, some managed to escape, leaving about nine individuals still in the bandits’ custody. According to Umar, the kidnappers are now demanding a ransom, though the exact amount has not been disclosed.
In light of these attacks, Umar urged the Kebbi State Government to increase security in areas that are particularly vulnerable to bandit attacks. He pointed out key locations such as Yar Maitaba, Mai Rai Rai, and Tungar Sabo, describing them as frequent targets of banditry.
“We commend the state government’s efforts against banditry, but with the guinea corn harvest season upon us, our farmers need better security,” he stated, underscoring the community’s concern as they attempt to bring in their crops under the constant threat of violence.
