Inhabitants of Kauru Local Council in Kaduna State, at the weekend, cried out over the resurgence of terrorist attacks in the area, which led to killings and kidnap of many.

Meanwhile, the Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force Northwest, Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD), Maj-Gen Oluyinka Soyele, has taken direct command of military operations against bandits and terrorists in Zamfara State. Leaders of the affected communities called on the government and security agencies to come to their aid.

The Chairman of Kauru Local Government Community Development Associations (KCDAs), Abel Adamu, stated, yesterday that the recent surge in violence and attacks in the area had resulted in loss of lives, displacement of people and destruction of properties.

“As a community, we have tried to address these issues through our own initiatives, such as neighbourhood watch programmes and community policing. But the situation has deteriorated to a point where we require immediate intervention from the relevant security agencies and the global community.”

Adamu explained that the cases of abduction of innocent people in the area were alarming and uncalled for. He said: “Just last Friday, a woman was killed by her abductors in Kiffin Chawai after paying ransom as demanded by the bandits.

“Similarly in Kumana and Kauru chiefdoms, thousands of people have been displaced and others killed in Dokan Karji, Bandi, Rumaya, Kwassam, Kaibi, Kusheka, Geshere and Binawa axis among others. This is uncalled for, and we plead for immediate action from the government to ensure the safety of our people.” He canvassed the establishment of two military bases, one each in Kauru and Kumana chiefdoms.

“These military bases will provide a permanent security presence in the area, helping to deter attacks and provide a sense of security for the local population.

“While thanking the government for the establishment of a military base in Chawai chiefdom, we also want to call for the provision of more security personnel to address the pockets of attack being witnessed in some parts of the chiefdom,” he added.

Spokesman of the Police, DSP Mansir Hassan, could not be reached on the telephone to react to the reported resurgent of attacks in the Kauru communities, as his telephone was switched off.

SOYELE was sighted at the Shinkafi axis, where military forces have intensified their offensive against criminal elements terrorising communities in the region.

As ground troops engaged in fierce combat, military aircraft were observed conducting sustained aerial operations across multiple locations, providing crucial air support to the advancing forces.

The military’s coordinated assaults have specifically targeted the strongholds of notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji, resulting in significant casualties among his fighters.

However, Turji’s whereabouts remain unknown. The ongoing military campaign has inflicted substantial losses on criminal elements, forcing many, including Turji, to abandon their hideouts as security forces press forward with their mission.

Soyele’s decision to personally lead troops in the field underscores the military’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace, security and stability in the affected communities.