Residents demand military formation after fresh attack in Bauchi community

Residents of Fego and Ruga Maikasuwa communities in the Gwana Emirate of Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State have called for urgent security reinforcement following a fresh attack by armed men that left six people injured and several farm animals stolen.

The attack occurred around midnight on Saturday and continued into the early hours of Sunday, reigniting fears in communities that had only recently begun recovering from months of insecurity.

Speaking with DAILY POST, a representative of the Gwana Islamic scholars, Sheikh Yusuf Bello Gafakan, said the assailants stormed Ruga Maikasuwa, a community that had repeatedly come under attack in recent months.

He explained that earlier attacks had forced many residents to flee to neighbouring Gombe State and other towns, but improved security measures introduced by the Bauchi State government and security agencies had encouraged them to return and resume farming.

“Unfortunately, the gunmen returned on Saturday night, heavily armed, and attacked Ruga Maikasuwa. Six people sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the Gombe Specialist Hospital,” he said.

According to him, the attackers carted away cattle, other farm animals and valuables belonging to residents. He added that it was not immediately clear whether anyone had been abducted during the assault.

Sheikh Yusuf said members of the community attempted to repel the attackers, forcing them to retreat with only the animals and valuables they were able to take.

He urged the Bauchi State Government and security agencies to strengthen security in the area, warning that the current security presence was inadequate.

The cleric specifically called for the establishment of a military formation in Gwana, noting that the emirate lies close to the borders of five states and is surrounded by extensive forest reserves, including the Yankari area, which could provide hideouts for criminal groups.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Bauchi State Police Command, SP Nafiu Abubakar, said he had yet to receive an official report of the incident. He, however, assured that he would obtain details from the Divisional Police Officer in Alkaleri and ensure that the matter was brought to the attention of the Commissioner of Police for appropriate action.