Fear has taken hold of the Waje community in Kebbi State’s Danko Wasagu Local Government Area following a deadly attack by suspected bandits that claimed the lives of 15 farmers and left three others injured.
The violence has forced dozens of residents, mostly women and children, to flee to the nearby town of Zuru in search of safety.
A resident, Alhaji Musa Waje, whose younger brother was among the victims, said the entire community remains shaken, with people leaving due to concerns that the attackers may return.
Displaced resident Aisha Bala, who lost her husband in the incident, described the emotional toll of the tragedy, saying she can no longer sleep at night and fears for her children’s future.
Residents are urging security agencies to increase operations in Waje and surrounding communities, which have become vulnerable due to inadequate security presence.
The community shares borders with Zamfara, Sokoto, and Niger States, areas frequently troubled by banditry and cross-border criminal activities, which residents believe contribute to the recurring attacks.
Malam Shuaibu Danbaba, who lost two family members in the assault, appealed for help, saying, “We need help; we are not armed, and these people are killing us like animals; the government must protect us.”