Bauchi Villagers Repel Bandit Attack In Their Community

Residents of Jajuwal village in Bauchi State’s Toro Local Government Area repelled an onslaught by armed bandits.

According to reports, the bandits stormed the settlement late Tuesday, October 31, 2023, and kidnapped several inhabitants.

However, with the help of armed local vigilante members and hunters, the villagers repelled the assailants, rescued some of the kidnapped victims, and killed one of the gunmen while others ran into the jungle with gun wounds.

According to a resident of the area, the alleged kidnappers attacked the village, shooting intermittently in order to scare people away so that they could carry out their criminal operation.

The resident went on to say that the villagers had ambushed the shooters with the help of neighborhood vigilantes who started shooting at the intruders after they had received early notice.

The people who managed to kill one of the kidnappers and free some of the kidnapped victims, along with the citizens’ cooperation with the local hunters and vigilantes, drove the assailants back into the forest, he said.

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He stated that although the primary target was not even in the hamlet at the time of the attack, a few individuals were taken hostage. He also added that because the security services have previously let them down, the villagers are now prepared to defend themselves against future attacks.

An indigene of Toro LGA, Bauchi, and member of Toro LGA Concerned Citizens confirmed the event on Wednesday.

“We are quite aware. Let’s awake, be aware and attack them in order to protect our lives and properties,” he said.

“We are sympathizing with the residents of Toro LGA, Bauchi State over the unfortunate incident that is trying to overwhelm them because of the activities of bandits and kidnappers who are always on the prowl kidnapping people for ransom at will.”

“It is the responsibility of the government to protect the people and their properties as it is enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended. We are aware of the instability in the minds of the people due to the failure of government and security agencies to come to their aid.”

“Even, we, the leadership of Toro LGA Concerned Citizens, are not exempted from the blame for the stress people of the area are currently going through,” he added.

He did, however, reassure the people that the group has now recognized the need to confront the kidnapping and bandit activities taking place in the region, and he challenged all elected and appointed officials in the area to either find a solution to the problem or prepare to be removed from their positions for failing the people.

He emphasized that the communities must also rise to the occasion by uniting into organizations that will defend their belongings and lives, among other things.

“Allah does not sleep and He will continue to protect them from the night marauders saying, “We have taken our problem to Allah to fight for all those oppressed.

“Now, we have woken up and we will continue to protect ourselves from this unfortunate situation of the incessant attacks by the bandits and kidnappers. I doff my cap to the people Jajiwol village and surrounding who stood up against the attackers on Tuesday and rescued some of the victims,” he stressed.

He praised their bravery and urged people of other villages targeted by the attacks to arm themselves and protect themselves until the government deems it essential to protect them.

“We will continue to pray to Allah for divine intervention in the situation, especially, freedom for those kidnapped by the criminals, to be reunited with their families in good health.”