Fear has gripped communities in Kano State following a brazen overnight attack by armed bandits, resulting in the abduction of eleven residents and the theft of livestock. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, December 1, 2025, marks a disturbing escalation of insecurity in areas previously considered relatively safe.
Midnight Terror in Unguwar Tsamiya
According to eyewitness accounts from villagers, a large group of assailants invaded Unguwar Tsamiya, also known as Dabawa, in Shanono Local Government Area. The attack commenced around midnight, with the bandits firing shots into the air to instill panic and physically assaulting residents.
The attackers successfully kidnapped nine men and two women before fleeing into the nearby bush. In addition to the human casualties, the bandits also rustled two cows from the community. A local source, speaking to Daily Trust, painted a picture of a terrified populace feeling trapped by the violence.
"We cannot do otherwise. Most of us cannot leave because we have nowhere to go. This is our place, our land and everything is here," the resident lamented, highlighting the helplessness felt by many in rural areas facing such threats.
A Pattern of Attacks Heightens Fear
This raid is particularly alarming as it comes less than 24 hours after a similar assault. Yan Kamaye village in Tsanyawa Local Government Area, another border community near Katsina State, was also targeted recently. The back-to-back incidents have shattered any sense of security and raised serious concerns about the spreading reach of banditry into Kano State.
The recurring violence has created a climate of intense anxiety, with families of the abducted persons left in agonizing uncertainty. Community leaders and residents are now urgently appealing to security agencies for a decisive response to curb the attacks and secure the release of the kidnapped victims.
Security Response and Mounting Tensions
As of the time of reporting, security agencies had not issued an official public statement regarding the latest abduction in Unguwar Tsamiya. This silence has further amplified worries among locals who are demanding immediate and visible intervention.
The situation underscores a growing security challenge in Nigeria's north, where criminal gangs frequently target vulnerable villages. The attacks disrupt livelihoods, displace communities, and create a pervasive atmosphere of fear. The Kano State government and federal security apparatus are under increasing pressure to deploy more resources and strategies to protect these rural populations and prevent the further spread of this crisis.
