Six farmers have been killed by suspected bandits in Kujijiro farmlands in Kuyello District of Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, raising fresh concerns over insecurity in one of the state’s most troubled rural communities.
The victims were reportedly attacked and killed on Monday while working on their farms, according to the Birnin Gwari Emirate Progressives Union (BEPU), which described the incident as tragic and deeply disturbing.
Birnin Gwari has for years remained one of the epicentres of banditry and armed violence in northwestern Nigeria. Although security operations have led to some improvements in recent years, communities in parts of the local government area continue to face attacks, kidnappings and killings, particularly in remote farming settlements.
In a statement issued by its chairman, Dr. Isah Muhammad, BEPU expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and condemned the attack in strong terms.
The union said the latest killings had once again thrown communities across the emirate into mourning and heightened fears among residents, noting that Kuyello and several communities in the eastern axis of the emirate have continued to experience security challenges despite ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace.
“Six innocent farmers were mercilessly attacked and killed while carrying out their lawful farming activities,” the statement said.
BEPU warned that the recurring attacks on farmers and rural communities pose a serious threat to the fragile peace and stability residents have struggled to rebuild in recent years.
The group stressed that no part of the emirate should be overlooked in efforts to achieve lasting security, arguing that insecurity in any section of Birnin Gwari affects the entire community.
According to the union, residents across the eastern, western and central parts of the emirate share a common history and destiny and must enjoy equal protection.
“As long as any part of Birnin Gwari remains unsafe, true peace cannot be said to exist,” the statement added.
The union also expressed concern that continued attacks on farming communities could discourage many farmers from returning to their farms during the current planting season, with possible implications for agricultural production and food security.
It warned that reduced farming activities could contribute to lower food output, rising food prices and worsening economic hardship across Kaduna State and the wider northern region.
BEPU therefore called on both the Federal Government and the Kaduna State Government to take urgent and practical steps to tackle criminal elements operating in the area.
The union specifically appealed to the Minister of Defence, the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to intensify operations in Kuyello and surrounding communities.
According to the group, residents should be able to cultivate their farms and carry out their daily activities without fear of attacks or violence.
The union also urged the Kaduna State Government to strengthen security deployment in eastern Birnin Gwari and provide the support necessary to safeguard lives and property.
While sympathising with the families of the victims, BEPU prayed for the repose of the deceased and comfort for those left behind.
“Our hearts go out to the families of those who lost their loved ones in this painful attack,” the statement said.
The union further appealed to residents, particularly farmers and community members, to remain calm, united and law-abiding while continuing to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could help address insecurity.
BEPU reaffirmed its commitment to working with government authorities, security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure that Birnin Gwari does not return to the period of widespread killings, kidnappings and fear that once characterised the area.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Kaduna State Government nor the Kaduna State Police Command had issued an official statement on the incident.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansur Hassan, were unsuccessful as he could not be reached.
