From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
No fewer than 15 farmers were reportedly killed in attacks by bandits in Waje village, Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, Kebbi State.
Press secretary to the Kebbi State Deputy Governor, Murtala M. Gotomo, in a statement yesterday, explained that the deputy governor, Senator Umar Abubakar, who visited the victims families on behalf of Governor Nasir Idris, gave the bereaved families N24 million.
He said, “The Kebbi State government has expressed sympathy with the people of Waje, Danko Wasagu LG, following a bandit attack that claimed the lives of 15 farmers and injured three others.
“Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida conveyed the government’s condolences and announced a donation of N24 million to the families of the deceased and the injured.
“Tafida, representing Governor Gwandu, expressed sympathy and announced the donation during a condolence visit to the residence of the district head of Waje on Saturday.”
Gotomo added that Tafida described the gesture as a modest effort by the state government to support the bereaved and the injured during this challenging period.
“Senator Tafida assured them that the state government would take necessary measures to tackle insecurity, enabling farmers to safely work on their land.”
In his remarks during the visit, district head of Waje, Bala Danbaba, was quoted to have commended the state government for the visit and financial support, describing it as timely and impactful.
Danbaba explained that Danko Wasagu’s border with Niger, Zamfara and Sokoto states creates vulnerabilities, appealing for enhanced security efforts to block these entry points.
Chairman of Danko Wasagu LG, Alhaji Hussaini Aliyu Bena, was quoted to have confirmed that 15 farmers were killed and three others injured during the attack by suspected bandits.
Dignitaries accompanying the Deputy Governor included Kabir Tukura, Muhammad Usman Zuru, State APC chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Kana Zuru, Senator Bala Na-Allah, commissioners and special advisers.
Last week, suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Malam Karanti village, Kukawa LGA of Borno State, reportedly killed at least 50 farmers.
Kukawa is barely nine kilometres from Baga town, an area known to be under ISWAP control.
Unconfirmed reports have it that the killings occurred after rival Boko Haram fighters allegedly ambushed the farmers in territory overseen by ISWAP.
A local source revealed that the ISWAP fighters exploited the temporary absence of Commander Akilu to launch the attack, accusing the farmers of spying for enemy factions.
The farmers had previously enjoyed relative safety under the protection of a local ISWAP commander known as Amir Akilu, who was said to be in charge of Malam Karanti, up to Dawashi. In exchange for security, the farmers and fishermen reportedly paid regular levies to the terrorist group.