Bandits have abducted a traditional ruler, Mohammed Isa-Daya, his two sons, and six others in Kebbi State’s Kanya district, Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area. The attack took place late Saturday night.
This incident occurred just two days after President Bola Tinubu lauded his administration’s success in improving security across Nigeria. Speaking through National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu at an international lecture hosted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized that the country’s security situation, particularly in 2022 and 2023, under former President Muhammadu Buhari, had been far worse. He went further to assure Nigerians that they could now travel safely across the country, including from Abuja to various regions, without fear of attacks.
However, within 48 hours of the President’s remarks, bandits launched multiple raids across four Northwestern states: Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Katsina. These attacks culminated in the abduction of nine individuals in Kanya, including the community’s traditional ruler. Tragically, one person was also killed during the raid.
A local journalist covering conflicts in the Northwest, Bakatsine, shared details of the incident on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, writing: “Last night, bandits attacked Kanya in Danko/Wasagu LGA, Kebbi State, killing one person and abducting nine, including the traditional leader and his two sons. May the Almighty accept the martyrdom of the deceased and ensure the safe rescue of those abducted.”
The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed the incident. According to spokesperson SP Nafiu Abubakar, “Yes, nine persons were abducted, including the traditional ruler. One person was shot dead, and three others, who sustained bullet wounds, are currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital Riba.”
As the nation grapples with ongoing security challenges, this latest attack raises critical questions about the true state of safety in Nigeria’s volatile Northwestern region.
