Insecurity: Residents raise alarm as bandits kill farmer, abduct another in Kebbi community

Residents of Wasagu community in Kebbi State have raised fresh concerns over worsening insecurity following separate bandit attacks that claimed the life of an elderly farmer and left another abducted within 24 hours.

The latest incident occurred on Tuesday evening when armed bandits reportedly shot the farmer while he was working on his farmland.

According to local sources, the victim was rushed to the General Hospital, Wasagu, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel.

The killing came barely 24 hours after another farmer was reportedly abducted by bandits on Monday while working on a farm near Wasagu town.

The renewed attacks have heightened fears among residents, who said farming, the main source of livelihood in the community, has become increasingly dangerous as bandits continue to operate around farmlands and neighbouring communities during the peak of the farming season.

Residents also expressed concern over what they described as the slow implementation of security measures promised by the Kebbi State Government following previous attacks in the area.

They recalled that during a visit by a high-powered delegation led by the Deputy Governor, the state government pledged to deploy additional security personnel, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), and establish a Nigerian Army Forward Operating Base, FOB, in Wasagu to strengthen security.

However, residents said the promised interventions are yet to materialise, alleging that killings and kidnappings have continued unabated.

They also lamented what they described as the limited response from most elected representatives, noting that Senator Garba Musa Maidoki has remained one of the few public officials to consistently raise security concerns affecting Kebbi South.

The residents appealed to both the Kebbi State Government and the Federal Government to urgently reinforce security in the area, fulfil earlier commitments, and take decisive steps to protect lives, restore confidence, and enable farmers to return safely to their farmlands.