Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Carmen Diego
Panic spread across Gwana town in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State after suspected bandits attacked the community on Sunday evening, firing shots and forcing residents to abandon homes and seek safety in surrounding bushes.
The assault reportedly began around 5:30 p.m. when armed men entered the town and opened fire indiscriminately. Witnesses said the attackers moved through sections of the settlement discharging weapons, creating widespread fear among families preparing for evening activities.
Although casualty figures have not been officially confirmed, local sources fear that deaths may have occurred during the attack. Authorities had not released detailed information regarding the number of persons affected at the time of reporting.
The attack in Gwana follows a series of violent incidents in the same general area. Residents recalled that just days earlier, four people were killed in nearby Kafin Duguri, while a local councillor and several other individuals were abducted in separate raids attributed to suspected armed groups.
Community members said the recurring assaults have transformed what should have been a period of religious devotion and communal reflection into nights dominated by anxiety and fear. Many families reported spending evenings in hiding locations or relocating vulnerable relatives to neighboring settlements as a precautionary measure.
Alkaleri LGA has experienced intermittent security challenges linked to banditry and rural criminal activity. Analysts attribute the vulnerability of communities in the area to factors such as difficult terrain, limited communication infrastructure, and relatively sparse security deployment in remote villages.
Security agencies had not issued an official statement regarding the Gwana attack as of the time of filing this report. However, local residents said they expect reinforcement patrols following repeated appeals for stronger protection across the LGA.
The Nigeria Police Force and other security formations have in recent months intensified operations targeting armed groups operating in parts of northern and north-central Nigeria. Authorities maintain that intelligence-driven patrols and coordinated military actions remain central to their counter-banditry strategy.
Humanitarian concerns are also growing as repeated attacks disrupt economic activities, particularly farming and small-scale trade, which are the primary livelihoods of rural households in the region. Education access and healthcare movement have also been affected as families restrict outdoor activities during periods of insecurity.
Local leaders have called on federal and state authorities to urgently strengthen security surveillance around vulnerable settlements in Alkaleri LGA. Some community representatives suggested the establishment of permanent security bases along forest corridors suspected to serve as hideouts for armed groups.
As investigations continue, residents of Gwana remain fearful of possible further attacks. The incident adds to a broader pattern of rural violence affecting parts of northeastern and north-central Nigeria, where communities continue to demand more effective protection and rapid emergency response systems.
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