Farmers in Old Kuyello and neighbouring villages in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State have abandoned harvesting their crops due to fear of abduction by bandits terrorising the area.
Despite ongoing military operations, bandits have continued to threaten the farmers.
According to locals, when a farmer is abducted, they are forced to pay a ransom of N2 million and provide a new motorcycle before being released.
A community leader, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, said two of his brothers had already been kidnapped by the bandits.
He explained that while the military recently engaged some bandits, recovering rustled cows and seizing their motorcycles, the bandits resumed abductions once the security personnel left the area.
“We cannot go to our farms. A few days ago, the military attacked the bandits and recovered cattle, but now, anyone abducted must pay N2 million and provide a motorcycle before they are freed,” the leader said.
He further revealed that one of his siblings was abducted from his farm while accompanied by his children and has remained in captivity ever since.
Several other villages, including Kwasakwasa, Unguwar Makera and Unguwar Gwandu, are also affected.
The community appealed to security forces for a sustained presence in the area after clearing bandit camps, to prevent the bandits from returning and terrorising the villagers.
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