Security

Residents faces hunger as bandits sack farming communities in Northwest Nigeria

Published

3 years ago

July 18, 2022

News Net Global

Residents faces hunger as bandits sack farming communities in Northwest Nigeria

By: Zagazola Makama

Kwata, a small farming settlement in Zurmi local government area of Zamfara state in Northwest Nigeria is one of the several farming communities sacked by bandits in recent years.

The bandits in a series of coordinated attacks sacked communities with impunity, forcing peasant farmers to abandon their homes and farmlands.

As the wet season sets in, thousands of farmers could not cultivate their farmlands for fear of attacks by the merciless bandits who killed, maimed, kidnapped and raped women in the troubled areas of Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna and Niger State in central Nigeria.

The banditry, which started as farmers, harders crises in 2011, has embolded into a full blown terrorism 2016, resulting to the death of over 4000 and displacement of atleast 309,000 persons at of 30 June 2022.

Zamfara state accommodates about 69,000 IDPs, Kaduna 71,000, Katsina 61,000, Sokoto 45,000, while at least 3,000 have crossed the border through the axis of Maradi to take refuge in Niger Republic.

The large-scale displacement of farmers across the region portends potential threats to food security and exposes the most populous country in the African continent to possible food shortage, hunger and starvation.

Apart from incessant attacks on farmers, the bandits demanded farmers in Kwata village to pay N1.2 million levy equivalent to about $2,500 US dollars, to allow them to access and cultivate their farmlands.

Farmers who broke the laws were trapped by the armed bandits, especially when they attempted to work on their farms, leaving their farmlands uncultivated.

Subsequently, the farmers resumed cultivating their farmlands to produce cereal crops as the only means of livelihood.

However, the bandits reneged on the agreement to allow the farmers work on their farms after payment made to the terrorist group.

Infuriated by resumption of farming activities by the farmers, the bandits ransacked the community, killed 50 persons, razed houses, destroyed farmlands, rustled cattle, abducted 12 women and two men.

Rabiu Musa, a farmer, said we paid N1.2m yet the bandits prevented us from accessing our farms to cultivate crops.

He said the bandits set animals to graze on the farmlands, and destroyed potato, beans and maize plantations.

Another farmer, Saidu Samaila, who hailed from Gidan Dodo village, said the bandits banned farmers from working in the farmlands after collecting N6 million equivalent to $7,000 US dollars from the farmers.

He said the farmers tasked every household in the community to contribute a certain amount of money to enable them to pay the levy imposed on them by the bandits.

“I and other farmers fled the village after bandits’ attack and took refuge at Kaura Namoda town in the last three months.

“The bandits set three vehicles and nine silos ablaze, my wife and children are staying with relatives in another town. My village is now deserted.

“Presently, I scavenge for leftover produce in the nearby farms to survive,” he said.

Narrating her ordeal in the hands of the bandits who were abducted during one of the attacks on the community, a widow, simply identified as Maryama, said the bandits invaded her village around 4:00 a.m. (GMT).

She said the attackers who engaged in sporadic shooting, gun down anyone on their sight except women.

She alleged that the bandits killed over 50 people, mostly adult and male children.

“Women loss their love ones and left to raise children of the deceased, killed by the terrorists.

“Three months later, the bandits launched a fresh attack on the village, killing two persons 2, injuring one and abducted 14 others including myself.

“I stayed for 15 days at the kidnappers’ den alongside Asiya, Halima and 12 others.

“We stayed with little or nothing to eat day and night.

“I eventually regained freedom after the community members who survived the attacks paid a ransom of N7.2 million equivalent to over $7,000 dollars demanded by the terrorists,” she said.

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Also, Mariya Aliyu, Aina’u Ali Ja’afar and Haulatu Isa, who lost their husbands in the attacks, said they now fend for the children orphaned by the bandits.

Aliyu, a mother of seven children, said she now took refuge at a makeshift shelter in Kaura Namoda.

“I am now staying in Kaura Namoda with my kids , we hardly had one meal a day.

“I fled for my life without taking my personal belongings from my home. I have nowhere to go or what to eat,” she said tearfully.

Jafa’ar and Isa, who shared similar experiences with Aliyu, said they now engaged in street begging to feed their children.

They urged the government at the federal and state level to assist them with food and shelter as well as secure the region to enable them to return to their ancestral homes.

On June 6, The Nigerian Red Cross Society raised an alarm over food insecurity in the North West and North Central in Nigeria, saying “The situation is critical and is one that needs immediate attention.

The Secretary General of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Abubakar Kende was quoted in the statement issued by Chima Nwankwo and Aduratomi Bolade, of Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) respectively to have said: “Millions are being affected, particularly women, the elderly, and vulnerable children.

“A good number of them are now in a situation where they do not know where their next meal will come from, and this is something that concerns us greatly.”

“The current situation is making the Nigerian Red Cross Society to take action to fight hunger in North-West and North-Central Nigeria where United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (UNFAO) has estimated that about 19.4 million people will be facing acute hunger between June and August 2022,” said Bolade in the statement. End.

Zagazola Makama is a Security Analyst and a Counter Insurgency Expert in Lake Chad.

Residents faces hunger as bandits sack farming communities in Northwest Nigeria

News

Security forces move to avert reprisal after killing of herdsman in Benue

Published

2 weeks ago

August 21, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Security forces move to avert reprisal after killing of herdsman in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

Security forces have intensified patrols and peace-building efforts in Anyiatse village, Jato-Aka, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue, following the killing of a Fulani herdsman by suspected youths of the community.

Zagazola learnt that the incident, which occurred on Tuesday night, has heightened fears of a reprisal attack by Fulani groups in the area.

Sources said the herdsman was attacked and killed in the bush, sparking tension among residents and neighbouring communities.

In response, security personnel were deployed to the area to forestall further violence, while traditional rulers and stakeholders have been engaged in dialogue to restore calm.

The measures, according to local authorities, are aimed at preventing a breakdown of law and order as investigations into the killing continue
End.

News

NSCDC personnel brutally attack police inspector in Gombe, inflicting severe injuries

Published

3 months ago

June 17, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

NSCDC personnel brutally attack police inspector in Gombe, inflicting severe injuries

By: Zagazola Makama

Police in Gombe State have launched a manhunt for two NSCDC personnel involved in a conspiracy and attack on a police inspector.

Zagazola Makama was informed from a reliable sources that on June 15, 2025, at about 2000 hours, Umar Ahmadu, Al’azeez, and Abdulrasheed all members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) attached to Dukku Road Office in Gombe allegedly attacked Inspector Mohammed Jungudo with a jackknife, inflicting severe injuries in various parts of his body.

The injured Inspector Jungudo is currently receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, while the suspects remain at large.

Police sources say efforts are underway to arrest the suspects.

NSCDC personnel brutally attack police inspector in Gombe, inflicting severe injuries

Security

General Buratai: Reports suggesting a Boko Haram attack on the former army chief are inaccurate, deceptive, and maliciously planted by armchair journalists.

Published

3 months ago

June 9, 2025

News Net Global

General Buratai

General Buratai: Reports suggesting a Boko Haram attack on the former army chief are inaccurate, deceptive, and maliciously planted by armchair journalists.

By: Dr. James Bwala

Reports alleging that former Army Chief General Tukur Yusuf Buratai came under Boko Haram gunfire attack around Biu town in Borno State, northeast Nigeria, on Friday have been proven to be false, misleading, and irresponsibly propagated by armchair journalists. Such misinformation not only distorts public perception but also undermines efforts toward peace and security in the region. The dissemination of unverified news contributes to unnecessary panic and erodes trust in credible news sources.

It is imperative for journalists and media practitioners to adhere strictly to ethical standards by verifying information before publication. In conflict-prone areas like Borno State, where security concerns are heightened, accuracy in reporting is crucial for both national stability and the safety of individuals involved. The spread of baseless reports about a high-profile figure such as General Buratai can have significant ramifications on public morale and military operations.

The propagation of fake news regarding General Buratai’s alleged encounter with Boko Haram highlights the dangers posed by irresponsible journalism. It underscores the need for rigorous fact-checking and responsible reporting practices to foster informed discourse and maintain societal stability. Media outlets must prioritize integrity and accountability, ensuring that their content contributes positively to public understanding rather than fueling discord and misinformation.

The responsibility lies with both journalists and consumers of news to critically evaluate sources and demand higher standards of reporting. In doing so, we can collectively work towards a more informed and resilient society, where truth prevails over sensationalism and speculation. By cultivating a culture of critical thinking and media literacy, we can empower individuals to discern fact from fiction and make informed decisions based on reliable information. In this way, the media can play a pivotal role in supporting peace and development, especially in regions affected by conflict and instability.

One of the core values of journalism is upholding journalistic ethics. This is not just a professional obligation but a societal necessity, particularly in areas where misinformation can exacerbate tensions and hinder progress. It is imperative that both media professionals and the public remain vigilant against the allure of sensational headlines, which often prioritize shock value over accuracy. Such vigilance is crucial in preventing the spread of narratives that could potentially incite fear and undermine trust in legitimate sources of information.

Recent reports have circulated suggesting that former Chief of Army Staff, General T.Y. Buratai, was present in Biu, Borno State, amid ongoing security concerns in Northeast Nigeria. However, these claims are inaccurate. Contrary to such misinformation, General Buratai is currently performing Hajj in the Holy Land and remains hale and hearty. I have personally exchanged Dallas greetings with him, and therefore, this clarification is significant given the sensitivity surrounding his role in counterinsurgency efforts against Boko Haram during his tenure.

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The dissemination of false information regarding prominent figures like General Buratai can exacerbate confusion and undermine public trust. It is important to rely on verified sources when assessing the whereabouts and health status of key individuals. Despite rumors linking him to recent activities in Borno State, credible fact-checking has confirmed his absence from the region. Thus, this situation underscores the necessity for critical evaluation of social media posts and other informal channels reporting on national security matters.

In an era where misinformation can spread rapidly through social media platforms, it becomes ever more crucial for individuals to approach such claims with a discerning eye and prioritize information from reliable sources. As we navigate this digital age, the responsibility falls on both media outlets and individuals to ensure that the information shared is factual and not based on unsubstantiated rumors. In this context, verifying claims through established fact-checking organizations becomes indispensable to prevent the escalation of false narratives that can impact national security. Therefore, fostering a culture of media literacy becomes essential in equipping the public to discern between factual reporting and deceptive claims.

Emphasizing media literacy not only helps individuals interpret information accurately but also builds resilience against the manipulation of narratives that could otherwise destabilize societal cohesion. By fostering such literacy, society can better navigate the complexities of information in the digital realm and safeguard against the perils of misinformation that threaten to distort public perception and trust.

The media, and especially journalists, should promote critical thinking and encourage the use of fact-checking tools. Individuals can actively contribute to a more informed and cohesive society, reducing the potential for misinformation to disrupt public trust and national stability. In this era of rapid information dissemination, the role of responsible journalism and informed public discourse cannot be overstated in countering the spread of misinformation.

While the reports falsely quote sources that are nonexistent, often referred to as “ghosts,” it is a pernicious practice within journalism that undermines the profession’s integrity. This form of yellow journalism not only distorts truth but also erodes public trust, which is foundational to credible reporting. When armchair journalists fabricate sources, they prioritize sensationalism over accuracy, thereby aligning themselves with unethical practices condemned by journalistic standards. Such actions betray the noble mission of journalism: to inform society with factual and verifiable information.

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

General Buratai: Reports suggesting a Boko Haram attack on the former army chief are inaccurate, deceptive, and maliciously planted by armchair journalists.