Reported by Afilawos Magana Sur, Managing Editor | Investigative Journalist at Sele Media Africa.

Residents of Kafin-Duguri community in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State are grappling with the aftermath of a deadly bandit assault that left at least four people dead and several others injured, despite a fierce resistance mounted by local vigilantes and hunters. The attack, which occurred on February 20, was reportedly carried out by heavily armed bandits who emerged from the notorious Dajin Mada Forest—a region long associated with criminal hideouts and cross-border banditry across parts of northern Nigeria. Speaking to Weekend Trust, a resident, Malam Muhammad Sani, recounted how the community mobilized to confront the attackers when they stormed the village.“We resisted them. Our local vigilantes and hunters engaged them in a gun fight,” Sani said.According to Sani, the confrontation was intense and prolonged. While villagers succeeded in repelling the attackers and reportedly killing more than 20 bandits, the community paid a heavy price. Four residents were killed during the raid, while seven others sustained injuries. Among the wounded were Sani’s brother and his pregnant sister-in-law, who was reportedly shot in the stomach during the violence.Beyond the human toll, the attackers also carried out widespread looting. Residents said the bandits rustled at least 57 cows and fled with three motorcycles before retreating into the forest. Communities turn to self-defense the incident underscores the continuing security challenges facing rural communities in northern Nigeria, where residents often rely on local defense groups due to slow response times and limited security presence in remote areas. In the aftermath of the attack, residents of Kafin-Duguri have reportedly intensified community patrols. Villagers now guard their homes at night, while many women and children have been temporarily relocated to safer areas.Security analysts say such community-based defense efforts have become increasingly common in parts of the region as rural populations attempt to deter recurring raids by armed groups. Government response and relief support following the attack, the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, announced financial support for the affected families.According to state officials, the government approved ₦1.5 million for each family of the deceased victims, while ₦500,000 was allocated to each of the injured survivors as immediate humanitarian assistance.The support, authorities say, is intended to help families cope with medical expenses and burial costs while longer-term security measures are being considered. Persistent Banditry across Northern Nigeria the attack in Kafin-Duguri reflects a broader pattern of insecurity across northern Nigeria, where armed bandit groups continue to target rural settlements, livestock, and travelers. Analysts note that forests such as Dajin Mada have served as operational bases for criminal gangs that move across state borders. Despite ongoing security operations by Nigerian forces, communities across several northern states—including parts of Bauchi—continue to experience sporadic raids, kidnappings, and cattle rustling.Local leaders and civil society groups have repeatedly called for strengthened intelligence operations, improved rural policing, and better coordination between security agencies and community defense networks. For residents of Kafin-Duguri, however, the immediate priority remains survival. “We are trying to protect ourselves,” Sani said, noting that villagers have remained on alert since the attack. Sources: Daily Trust (Weekend Trust), Channels Television, Premium Times.

Afilawos Magana Sur

Afilawos Magana Sur is a journalist from Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, currently based in Bauchi metropolis. He is known for his commitment to accurate, ethical, and responsible journalism, with a focus on reporting issues of public relevance and community development.

www.selemedia.org