At least 16 people have reportedly been abducted in a recent attack by bandits on Bena village and surrounding areas in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Northwest Nigeria.
Confirming the incident, Lawali Umar, Secretary of the Security Committee in Wasagu, stated that the bandits ambushed victims working on their guinea corn farms and took them hostage.
Umar also reported a separate, recent attack in which bandits raided the Tudun Wada area, abducting six people.
In response, army personnel engaged the bandits in a gunfight, successfully repelling the attack and rescuing the six abducted individuals.
While some of the original 16 abducted managed to escape, approximately nine remain captive, with the bandits demanding an undisclosed ransom.
Umar appealed to the Kebbi State Government to strengthen security in key vulnerable areas, specifically Yar Maitaba, Mai Rai Rai, and Tungar Sabo, which he described as known bandit strongholds.
“We appreciate the state government’s efforts to combat banditry, but with the guinea corn harvest season underway, our farmers need better security,” he urged.
At the time of filing this report, Kebbi State Police Command spokesperson, Nafiu Abubakar, had not responded to calls or messages for comment.