Written by Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo
KADUNA — The Akurmi community in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State has cried out over persistent killings and kidnappings by bandits, revealing that 59 of its residents have remained in captivity since October 2025.
Community leaders disclosed that at least 12 people were killed while dozens were abducted in a series of attacks that have forced villagers to flee their homes, abandon farmlands and live in fear.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Kaduna, the Akurmi Development Association (AKURDA) described the security situation as dire, warning that the continued violence across their settlements over the past four months has pushed residents to the brink.
“Are we still a part of Nigeria? Or have the lives of Akurmi become expendable?” he inquired.
Maigamo bemoaned the abandonment of once-thriving ancestral farmlands as armed gangs raid towns, murdering locals and kidnapping women and children.
He clarified that numerous towns in Lere and nearby local government areas have been impacted by the attacks, which have been extensive.
He claims that during a raid on Karku-Ningi in Kauru LGA in October 2025, four people were killed and nine others were abducted. In November of same year, he said, the towns of Gidan-Waya, Jan-Tsauni, and Mai-Yamma in Lere LGA reported four further murders and thirteen kidnappings.
He also mentioned the communities affected by the violence, including Majagada, Gurza, Garun-Kurama, and Biman-Kurama.
Many kidnapped people are still being held, according to Maigamo, and families are allegedly raising money for the ransom by selling harvested grains intended for domestic consumption.
He claimed that the gunmen carried out their repeated attacks with “absolute impunity,” striking without opposition or repercussion.
The community leader acknowledged the Federal Government’s and Kaduna State Government’s efforts to address insecurity, but claimed that the response has not been enough to stop attacks on Akurmi villages.
He cautioned that the criminals have gained confidence and the inhabitants’ sense of abandonment has increased due to the delay in taking action.
In order to stop such attacks, the group urged Governor Uba Sani to order the immediate and permanent deployment of security troops to communities that are at risk.
Along with comprehensive investigations to guarantee the arrest and conviction of those involved, including suspected accomplices, it also called for a coordinated intelligence-driven operation to rescue all abductees still in captivity.
“Justice can’t wait. “Delaying safety is not an option,” Maigamo stated. “We must not conflate our dedication to peace with a readiness to die in quiet. Any harm done to one person affects everyone.
In order to prevent future deaths, the community also called on humanitarian organizations, civil society organizations, and the international community to intensify their appeal for immediate action.
They called for immediate action to return Akurmi land to normalcy and warned that any inactivity could lead to greater migration throughout the region.
