The removal of a soldier Sergeant Usman Hamisu Bagobiri who has been effectively containing rampaging bandits has caused villagers of some communities in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State to desert their homes.
The lawmaker representing Giwa West constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Umar Auwal Bijimi, revealed that villages of Gogi, Angwar Bako, Marge, Tunburku, Bataro, Kayawa and Yuna started leaving in droves following the transfer of Sergeant who the lawmaker said had been dedicated and effective.
Bijimi said the soldier had played a crucial role in combating the banditry plaguing the areas.
According to the lawmaker, the exit of the Sergeant has created a vacuum and emboldened the criminals, leading to a fresh resurgence and attack against the villagers.
It was learnt that many of those affected, particularly women and children, trekked long distances to seek refuge in the main town of Giwa
He called on the state government and military authorities to reinstate Sergeant Bagobiri and deploy more soldiers to areas, to protect villagers who want to resume farming.
According to a villager, resident, Korau Fatika, the continuous bandit attacks have instilled fear in the villagers, prompting them to flee with their families.
Fatika said many women and other people have been kidnapped recently, forcing the villagers to abandon their homes.
The District Head of Fatika, Nuhu Lawal Umar has ap[pealed for beefing up security in the area, emphasising the dire need for government intervention.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Homes Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said relevant stakeholders, including the Chairman of Giwa LGA, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Giwa, and local leaders, are in discussions with the ministry regarding security concerns.
He said the matter has been reported to the appropriate authorities, and concerted efforts were being made to beef up security in the affected communities.
