A protest broke out on Friday in Birnin Gwari town, headquarters of Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, following the killing of a commercial driver and the abduction of residents by suspected ‘repentant’ bandits.
The protest was triggered by the killing of Mallam Ibrahim Adamu, who was reportedly shot dead along the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road.
Adamu was said to be a grandson of a traditional ruler in the Birnin Gwari Emirate.
A community source told SaharaReporters angry residents, mostly youths, took to the streets to protest what they described as continued attacks by so-called “repentant” bandits in the area.
According to the source, some protesters chased herders and other Fulani residents from parts of the town, raising fears of reprisals and a possible breakdown of law and order.
The situation was, however, brought under control following the intervention of security operatives, traditional rulers and community leaders.
It was gathered that some herders and Fulani travellers fled the town over fears of possible attacks.
Adamu was reportedly killed at Kwanan Giginya along the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari highway when armed men opened fire on his commercial vehicle.
The attackers were said to have killed him on the spot before abducting about five passengers.
In a separate incident, four farmers were kidnapped while working on their farms in the Kurgi area of Birnin Gwari Local Government Area.
The farmers were reportedly carrying out routine farming activities when the gunmen struck and whisked them away to an unknown destination.
The attacks have heightened concerns over insecurity along the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari axis, a corridor that has witnessed repeated assaults despite claims of peace deals with armed groups.
Residents said the violence had disrupted farming, transport and economic activities in several rural communities.
Community members also alleged that armed groups operating in the area often seize motorcycles, phones, money and other valuables from victims.
They called on security agencies to intensify patrols along the highway and strengthen protection for farming communities vulnerable to repeated attacks.
