From Sadiq Abubakar
In a courageous and desperate response to the escalating banditry in Sokoto State, thousands of residents from Gobir have taken the bold step of storming the forests to confront the criminals head-on.
This daring move follows the tragic killing of the Sarkin Gobir of Gatawa District, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, who was brutally murdered by bandits on August 21, 2024, after being abducted and tortured.
The residents, undeterred by the risks, have mobilized both men and women to rescue over 150 individuals kidnapped during the attack on Gobir town, which occurred in the aftermath of the traditional ruler’s death.
Their mission also includes recovering the body of the slain district head.
Frustration and anger have reached a boiling point as security forces have repeatedly failed to protect the community from banditry and kidnapping.
Despite denials from the Nigerian police regarding the scale of the abductions, the people of Gobir are resolute in their determination to take matters into their own hands.
In a video that has gone viral, the residents can be seen advancing into the forest, chanting war songs and calling upon Allah for strength.
Their defiant chants of "It’s fight to finish! It’s either us or them (bandits), no going back," underscore the gravity of the situation and the lengths to which they are willing to go to reclaim their community.
This unprecedented action by the Sokoto residents underscores the growing desperation among communities plagued by banditry in Nigeria, where perceived government inaction has led to citizens taking up arms in defense of their lives and property.
