Residents of several communities in Bauchi State have described the devastating impact of recent bandit attacks that forced them to abandon their homes and seek refuge in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Kashere, Gombe State.
The victims, mostly from villages in the Kare-Kare axis around Digare in Gwana District, said repeated assaults by heavily armed bandits have destroyed their livelihoods and left families living in fear.
A community leader, Ibrahim Wakili, said the attackers first invaded their settlement near Digare village before pursuing them into nearby communities.
“We were forced to flee our hamlet and take refuge in Digare, but the bandits followed us there as well,” Wakili said. “They abduct people, kill residents, and chase those trying to escape. Many of us lost relatives while running for our lives.”
He added that families fled without their belongings, leaving behind food supplies, livestock, and other valuables. According to him, displaced residents now depend largely on humanitarian support.
“We want to return to our homes, but we need security. Only the government can protect us,” he pleaded.
Another displaced resident, Nuhu Turaki, said the attacks have turned community members into wanderers.
“Our people are moving from place to place like animals,” he said. “I lost a child during the attacks, and my livestock were taken away by the bandits.”
Local leaders and advocacy groups have condemned the violence and urged authorities to urgently address the worsening insecurity.
Barrister Hashim Pali of the Coalition of Northern Groups described the attacks as tragic and alarming, noting that many residents have abandoned their ancestral homes due to fear of further violence.
“This situation has created deep fear in our communities,” he said. “People are unsure if they will ever safely return.”
Security officials confirmed that bandits recently attacked a Joint Task Force base in Gwana, resulting in the deaths of two soldiers and a local vigilante member. Several bandits were reportedly neutralised during the confrontation.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has called for stronger federal intervention and announced plans to recruit thousands of youths as forest guards to support security operations.
