Families and victims of insurgency and banditry in Zuru emirate of Kebbi state Thursday cried out over the rising security challenges facing their defenceless communities.
The spokesman of the victims, Mallam Danlami Isa Bena, while addressing newsmen in Zuru said the dangerous situation has impacted negatively on the socio-economic activities of their people, especially in the areas of commerce and agriculture.
He further stated that mass murder, burning of children, insertion of dry cell batteries into women’s private part, burning of grains and villages, cattle rustling and multiple kidnappings in the area are too close to genocide.
He stated further: “We are living in a dilemma. We have reported our plights to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) through official channels but things keep growing from bad to worse. A meeting was held in Zuru with the heads of National Security Agencies, the Kebbi state governor, Emir of Zuru amongst many others in attendance, but till date, the situation remains bleak.
“We have paid over one hundred million naira to regain freedom for our captured family members in the hands of kidnappers, besides losing dozens of lives, thousands of livestock, acres of arable farm lands as well as houses during banditry attacks.”
