We are tired of burying our people – Kebbi communities seek urgent security intervention

Residents of the Alelu, Kimba, Jandutsi, and Jadadi communities in Jega Local Government Area, Kebbi State, are urging Governor Nasir Idris to take immediate action in response to recent violent incidents, including killings, abductions, and the destruction of homes allegedly perpetrated by armed groups.

In an open letter dated October 9, 2026, Sufiyan, a representative of the affected residents, described a climate of fear that has disrupted daily life and livelihoods in the region. He emphasized the emotional toll of continuous attacks, stating, “We are tired of burying our people. The night has become something to fear.”

Sufiyan appealed to Governor Idris, requesting urgent intervention to prevent further fatalities and property damage. He outlined three primary demands: the deployment of permanent security personnel along the Alelu-Kimba-Jandutsi route, humanitarian assistance for families whose homes have been destroyed, and a personal visit from the governor to observe the crisis.

He stressed the serious implications of the violence, asserting, “If these villages die, the heart of Kebbi has been killed. This is not politics; it is a cry for survival.”

In response, the Kebbi State Police Command acknowledged the security challenges faced by residents in these communities. Public Relations Officer ASP Bashir Usman stated that security agencies have been actively responding to distress calls, repelling attacks, and intensifying operations against criminal elements.

“The Kebbi State Police Command acknowledges the security challenges confronting residents,” Usman said. He noted that some of these issues stem from cross-border crime, emphasizing that security threats are linked to a neighboring state.

Despite these challenges, Usman highlighted ongoing police efforts to respond to calls for help and combat criminal activities. He revealed that the command has incurred losses, including the recent death of a police inspector during operations.

The police also urged local youths and residents to avoid blocking the Kebbi-Sokoto Highway during protests over the security situation. Usman cautioned that such actions could impede the movement of others and distract security personnel from their ongoing efforts. “We appeal to youths and residents to desist from blocking the highway, as such actions infringe upon the rights of others and further overstretch security personnel,” he said.

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