No fewer than eight villages in the Augie local government area of Kebbi have been deserted by their inhabitants following violent attacks by bandits. The police and the council chairman are begging them to return.

The villages are Zagi, Tungar Rafi, Tungar Tudu, Keke, Kwaido, Sabongarin Kwaido, Tungar Chichira and Tattazai.

Residents of the villages moved out in droves after bandits attacked Zagi on Wednesday night.

The attack was said to have left three people dead, many injured, and 15 others kidnapped.

The village head of Zagi, Muhammadu Lawali-Sule, said the bandits stormed the village at about midnight.

He said the villagers collectively resisted the attackers but were overpowered by the bandits. The village head said those injured in the attack were in a hospital receiving treatment.

Police commissioner Ahmed Magaji-Kontagora disclosed that the force had mobilised additional security operatives to the area to support those already on the ground, claiming that the bandits had been blocked by troops and prevented from gaining access to other areas.

Mr Magaji-Kontagora advised the fleeing residents to return to their respective villages and continue their normal businesses and assured them that the security forces would protect them against bandits.

The police chief appealed to the public to be vigilant and security-conscious and support security agencies with credible intelligence to defeat the bandits and other criminals.

When contacted on the phone, Augie council chairman, Lawal Muhammad, said security had been beefed up around the villages and other areas, and an IDP camp had been established in the area.

“We must commend the security agencies in the state for deploying security personnel to avert the reoccurrence of the incident. The security agencies have promptly responded by deploying more personnel, and normalcy has now returned to the area,” Mr Muhammad explained.

The local government chairman added, “I want to call on the people deserting their community to be patient and calm. An internally displaced persons camp has been established in a school in the area. The government and security agencies are doing their utmost best as they are aware of their plight and will do everything humanly possible to protect their lives and property.” 

(NAN)