Abandoned and Unprotected: Kano Border Communities Battling Terror Alone

By Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim

Residents of border villages in Tsanyawa Local Government Area of Kano State have been left in fear and despair following recent attacks by armed bandits, with no visible security presence to protect them.

An investigation by journalists from Premier Radio 102.7 FM, led by Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim, revealed that contrary to initial reports that 10 people were abducted, the actual number of kidnapped victims exceeded 20.

The affected communities lie along the Kano–Katsina border, accessible only by passing through Kankia Local Government Area in Katsina State before re-entering Kano. The journalists, who remained in the area until after the Isha prayer, reported that throughout their stay, not a single security operative—neither soldiers nor police officers—was seen in the affected areas.

According to the findings, even though the state commissioner had earlier claimed that security operatives were deployed to Kano’s border communities, none were present during or after the attacks. The report further highlighted a recurring pattern in which security agencies are alerted whenever kidnappers emerge from the forests of Katsina, yet the criminals still manage to execute their operations unhindered. Security forces reportedly arrive only after the attackers have fled.

Ibrahim expressed deep disappointment with political leaders representing the region, accusing them of abandoning their constituents. He lamented that the communities suffer from a total lack of basic amenities—no roads, electricity, water supply, schools, or security—yet politicians only appear during elections to campaign and ensure ballot boxes are delivered.

Describing the situation as “a clear injustice,” he urged the Kano State Government, particularly Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to take decisive action. Ibrahim called for the training and arming of residents in border communities so they can defend themselves against bandit attacks, noting that the current security structure is failing to protect them.

He further appealed to the governor to personally visit the affected areas, pointing out that since the incident, no commissioner—neither the Commissioner of Police, the Commissioner for Security, nor any other official—had visited the victims or offered any form of sympathy.

“The people should continue praying,” Ibrahim said, “but the reality is that the government is not genuinely committed to addressing terrorist activities in Kano.”