Fear Grips Shanono as 150 Armed Bandits Invade Kano Border Communities, Kill Residents, Steal Livestock

By Queen Madaki | The Bureau News

Residents of Shanono Local Government Area in Kano State are reeling in fear after a violent invasion by armed bandits who stormed several communities two days ago, killing residents, burning homes, and carting away livestock and farming equipment.

Eyewitnesses told The Bureau News that the attackers — estimated at about 150 men riding on 50 motorcycles — struck in the dead of night, firing sporadically and sending villagers fleeing into the bush for safety. Many have yet to return to their homes.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the heavily armed men are suspected to have crossed into Kano from neighbouring Katsina State, continuing a pattern of border incursions that have terrorised the area in recent months.

‘They Came on 50 Motorcycles, Shooting Everywhere’ — Witness

Communities along the Katsina–Kano border — including Faruruwa, Kuraku, Goron-Dutse, Tsaure, and Yan-Shado — have faced repeated raids, forcing many residents to abandon their homes and farms.

“Just two days ago, they invaded our area with about 50 motorcycles, each carrying three men — roughly 150 attackers. They killed people and stole livestock,” recounted Yahaya Bagobiri, Chairman of the Faruruwa and Neighbourhood Security Committee.

Bagobiri, visibly distressed, told reporters that the attacks have claimed multiple lives and displaced hundreds of villagers. Over 1,600 cows, numerous motorcycles, and farming machines have been looted by the marauding gunmen.

‘Our Security Men Are Overwhelmed’

The local security situation has worsened drastically. According to Bagobiri, the Joint Task Force (JTF) stationed in the region has fewer than 15 personnel covering vast, volatile territories — a number residents describe as “grossly inadequate.”

“How can 10 or 15 security operatives confront over 150 armed men?” he asked. “We’ve been facing these attacks since 2022. Bandits from Katsina and neighbouring states invade our communities almost daily.”

He added that despite visits by senior government officials, including the Kano State Commissioner of Police and an Army Commander, the killings and kidnappings have persisted unabated.

Families Paying Millions in Ransoms

The scale of insecurity has pushed many families to despair. Bagobiri recounted that one resident, Alhaji Haruna Gatali, had to pay N15 million in ransom to secure his kidnapped wife’s release.

“We sincerely hope the authorities will act quickly to restore peace and security to our communities,” he pleaded, his voice breaking with emotion.

Farming and Livelihoods Crippled

The relentless attacks have crippled farming and business activities across the region. Fields once filled with maize, millet, and groundnuts now lie abandoned, while local markets operate under fear. Community leaders warn that unless urgent action is taken, hunger and displacement will deepen.

Residents are calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to deploy more troops and strengthen border patrols to prevent further bloodshed.

“We are Nigerians. We deserve protection,” said one displaced farmer, staring at the ashes of his home. “All we want is peace.”