Residents demand military formation after fresh attack in Bauchi community
Bauchi Communities Seek Enhanced Security After Armed Attack
Residents of the Fego and Ruga Maikasuwa communities in the Gwana Emirate area of Alkaleri Local Government, Bauchi State, are calling for increased security measures following an overnight attack by armed individuals on Saturday that resulted in six injuries and significant livestock theft.
The assault began just after midnight and extended into Sunday morning, raising alarms in locales that had recently started to stabilize after prolonged insecurity.
Sheikh Yusuf Bello Gafakan, a representative of the Gwana Islamic scholars, described the assailants as heavily armed, noting that Ruga Maikasuwa has been targeted multiple times in the past few months. He explained that previous assaults had forced many residents to seek refuge in neighboring Gombe State and other areas, but a series of improved security measures from the Bauchi State government had encouraged their return and the resumption of farming activities.
“Unfortunately, the gunmen returned on Saturday night and attacked Ruga Maikasuwa,” Gafakan said. “Six individuals sustained injuries and are now receiving treatment at the Gombe Specialist Hospital.”
The armed group made off with cattle and other livestock, as well as personal valuables belonging to residents. Gafakan noted that it remained unclear if there were any abductions during the attack.
Community members attempted to fend off the attackers, managing to force a retreat, but not before the assailants secured their loot.
Gafakan is urging both the state government and local security agencies to enhance security measures in the region, emphasizing that the current response is insufficient. He specifically called for the establishment of a military post in Gwana, citing the proximity of the emirate to the borders of five states and its surrounding extensive forest reserves, including the Yankari area, which may provide cover for criminal elements.
In a response to the incident, SP Nafiu Abubakar, spokesperson for the Bauchi State Police Command, stated he had not yet received an official report but would gather information from the Divisional Police Officer in Alkaleri. He assured that the matter would be escalated to the Commissioner of Police for further action.
