Gbagyi youths in Kaduna State have lamented the resurgence of banditry and kidnapping, after a lull occasioned by the work of security agencies..
They have, therefore called on the State Government and security forces to be proactive to save their communities.
In a statement, the Chairman of the Gbagyi Youth Progressive Union (GYPU) Kaduna State, Malam. Ibrahim Ayuba Wadason, lamented the loss of lives and properties within Chikun LGA and Birnin Gwari Local Government Areas adding that over 30 persons have also been kidnapped recently.
Wadason said, “In what can be described as an guerilla warfare, these armed men storm villages in Katarma, Gadani, Kugo, Kaso, Rumanan Gbagyi, Badna and Malamo shooting sporadically, burning down houses and taking hostages for ransom.
“These barbaric acts have led to the death of some communities members, as well as loss of lives and properties. Currently, about 30 persons have been kidnapped from these communities, three persons were killed yesterday in Kaso Village. They are: Mr. Eli Sule, Danjuma Garba and Istifanus Auta, we pray for the repose of their souls and for those held hostage, we pray for their freedom from the hands of these terrorist.”
While commending the security agencies and the Kaduna State Government for the prompt response to distress calls, while they continue exploring ways of restoring total peace, the youths group assured them of our unwavering support and commitment.
However, Wadason said the youths find the sudden reinforcement and spread of the terrorists intriguing and shocking.
He added: “Our plea today is straight-forward, we call on the Kaduna State Government, all relevant security agencies and stakeholders managing the security affairs of our state to be more proactive and put in necessary efforts in restoring peace and securing trouble parts of our communities.
“The supreme duty of the government is the protection of lives and properties of its citizens, may it not be that at a time when Gbagyi people needed the government the most, the government on its part, turns its back on the people.
“To our natives whom have found themselves in such an unfortunate situation, we share in your pains, we grief with you, and our most sincere prayers are with you.
“But yet again, we are saying it loud, anyone who knows a neighbour, friend, or relative who is partnering, assisting or collaborating with this terrorist group in perpetrating this mayhem, we should inform and expose such bad eggs.
“We call on community leaders, religious leaders and youth leaders to be more vigilant and share crucial information that will be of help to security agencies.”