Tales from Banditry Survivors

Survivors share harrowing tales of despair, torture, trauma and nightmares in bandits’ (who frequently sack villages and communities in the region, and take hundreds into captivity until ransoms are paid) dreaded camps, while speaking to Hussaini Ibrahim Kafi in Kano

The pervasive banditry crisis in Nigeria’s North-western states of Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara Kebbi and some parts of Kaduna has left communities in despair, with hundreds of lives disrupted by violence, abduction, and torture. Communities and villages have been sacked with the terrorists occupying their ancestral land. The terror lords – commanders control the vast territory, hoist their flags showing off their strength. The lords set up their structures of control, collect revenues from the captives through a system of of taxation while holding them in their camps. This is in addition to the huge ransoms the hostages paid their abductors.

In a series of interviews with Africa Health Report, AHR, survivors, families of victims, and government officials shed light on the magnitude of the crisis and the ongoing efforts to address it.

The root of banditry in the region can be attributed to several interconnected factors. To begin with, widespread poverty, unemployment, weak governance, and competition over scarce resources have created a fertile ground for unrest.

Historically, disputes over land and grazing routes between farmers and herders, exacerbated by climate change and population growth, have heightened tensions.

Bandits Taking Advantage

As a result, these tensions have escalated into violent confrontations, with bandit groups taking advantage of the region’s weak security and governance to carry out attacks, kidnappings, and cattle rustling.

The impact of this violence on residents is far-reaching and devastating.

For instance, many communities have suffered significant loss of lives and property, forced displacement, and economic disruption, particularly in agriculture, the region’s primary livelihood. Between 2018 and 2021, an estimated 75,003 people were killed due to banditry in the Northwest. In addition, over 682 villages and towns were sacked, with significant losses including 13,838 cattle, 11,088 sheep and goats, and 2,244 motorcycles.

Niger Republic

Furthermore, nearly one million individuals have been displaced from 798 communities, with over 50,000 Nigerians seeking refuge in neighbouring Niger Republic.

Consequently, this displacement has led to overcrowded camps with deplorable conditions, which in turn heighten the risk of disease outbreaks and other health challenges.

Moreover, the insecurity has hindered access to education and healthcare, while fostering a climate of fear and mistrust.

Ultimately, the persistent violence has weakened social cohesion, deepened poverty, and overwhelmed local authorities, leaving residents trapped in a cycle of vulnerability and hardship.

Babangida Musa Kakanra, a resident of Kankara town in Katsina State, spoke about the significant socio-economic impact of insecurity in the region. He revealed, “Before the insurgency, I could harvest five sacks of foodstuffs from my farm, but now I can’t even go to my farm.”

He also explained that the activities of bandits have made it difficult to maintain connections with loved ones, as visiting certain areas or attending naming and wedding ceremonies has become nearly impossible.

Survivor

Additionally, he shared that he had lost many friends due to the insurgency.

Victims who managed to escape captivity described their ordeal as harrowing. One survivor recounted, “They kept us in the forest without food for days. We were beaten and treated like animals. Every day, we feared it would be our last.”

Another victim, a farmer abducted from his village, detailed the torment they endured. “They demanded ransom from our families, and when the money didn’t come on time, they tortured us to send a message.”

These survivors are now struggling to reintegrate into their communities, haunted by trauma and grappling with the loss of their livelihoods.

For families whose loved ones remain in captivity, the anguish is indescribable. “My husband was taken six months ago,” shared Fatima Musa, a mother of three. “We sold everything to raise the ransom, but it wasn’t enough. Now, we live in constant fear, not knowing if he’s alive or dead.”

Another woman, Halima Abdullahi, tearfully recounted how her son was abducted while returning from school. “He’s only 15. I cannot sleep at night. The silence is unbearable, and the uncertainty is killing us.”

currently, a staggering 345 individuals are still unaccounted for or held in captivity by bandits, with their families caught between hope and despair.

Katsina

All attempts by the Africa Health Report correspondent to secure an interview with the Senior Special Assistant on Banditry to the Katsina State Governor, Alhaji Saidu Ibrahim Danja, were unsuccessful, as he declined to respond to any of the questions posed to him.

In an exclusive interview, the Muawuyya Bala Idris, a Katsina-based journalist highlights some of the government’s multi-pronged approach to tackle the crisis.

“The Katsina State Government recently intensified security operations across the state, deploying more personnel and resources to vulnerable areas,” he stated. “Additionally, it has collaborated with local communities to gather intelligence and strengthen early warning systems.”

The journalist also emphasized the government’s commitment to providing support for victims. “We’ve launched initiatives to assist those affected by banditry, including trauma counseling, financial aid, and reintegration programs. While progress is slow, we are determined to bring every victim back home safely.”

As Katsina grapples with the pervasive threat of banditry, the stories of survivors and families serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of this crisis. While the government’s efforts are commendable, the plight of those still in captivity and the trauma of those who’ve returned highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive and sustainable solution.

Until then, the shadows of banditry will continue to cast a long, dark pall over Katsina.