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.
AKURDA President, Yakubu J. Maigamo, questioned what he termed the seeming neglect of the community despite repeated attacks.
“Are we still part of Nigeria? Or have Akurmi lives become disposable?” he asked. Maigamo lamented that once-thriving ancestral farmlands have now been deserted as armed groups invade villages, killing residents and abducting women and children.
He explained that the attacks have been widespread, affecting several communities within Lere and neighbouring local government areas.
According to him, four persons were killed and nine others kidnapped during an October 2025 raid on Karku-Ningi in Kauru LGA. He added that Gidan-Waya, Jan-Tsauni and Mai-Yamma communities in Lere LGA recorded another four deaths and 13 abductions in November the same year.
He further listed Majagada, Gurza, Garun-Kurama and Biman-Kurama among communities impacted by the violence. Maigamo noted that many abductees are still being held, with families reportedly selling harvested grains meant for household sustenance to raise ransom payments.
Describing the attackers as operating with “absolute impunity,” he alleged that the gunmen strike repeatedly without resistance or consequence.
While acknowledging efforts by both the Federal Government and Kaduna State Government to tackle insecurity, the community leader said the response has not been sufficient to halt the attacks on Akurmi settlements.
He warned that delayed action has heightened residents’ sense of abandonment and emboldened the perpetrators. The association appealed to Governor Uba Sani to order the immediate and permanent deployment of security personnel to vulnerable communities to prevent further attacks.
It also called for a coordinated intelligence-driven operation to rescue all abductees still in captivity, alongside thorough investigations to ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible, including alleged collaborators. “Justice cannot wait. Safety cannot be delayed,” Maigamo said. “Our commitment to peace must not be mistaken for a willingness to perish in silence. An injury to one is an injury to all.”
The community further urged civil society organisations, humanitarian groups and the international community to amplify their call for urgent intervention before more lives are lost.
They cautioned that continued inaction could trigger further displacement across the area and appealed for swift measures to restore normalcy to Akurmi land.
