Adara, Kuturmi Communities Urged to Expose Bandits’ Informants

By Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Adara and Kuturmi communities in Kajuru and Kachia Local Government Areas of Kaduna State have been urged to take collective action against internal collaborators aiding banditry and kidnapping.

A historian and community youth leader, Bulus Bahago Kufana, made the call while speaking in Kufana, Kajuru LGA, stressing the need for communities to expose informants and work closely with security agencies to end years of insecurity.

Bahago said the recent attack on Ariko community, which reportedly left six persons dead and 37 others abducted, underscored the urgency of confronting internal sabotage and addressing the root causes of banditry in the area.

He called for an end to blame games and advocated a shift toward community-driven security, noting that while government has a constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property, citizens must also play active roles.

Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, Bahago said, “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” but added that lasting security requires collaboration between authorities and communities.

According to him, insecurity has persisted in several Adara and Kuturmi communities since 2015, with repeated attacks leading to deaths, abductions, and displacement.

He recalled that during the administration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, attacks at times took severe dimensions, including the abduction and killing of the late Agom Adara, Dr. Maiwada Galadima, and violence in communities such as Kasuwan Magani and Gonan Rogo.

Bahago noted that while the pattern of violence has shifted largely to kidnapping for ransom, there are signs of improvement, with some displaced communities gradually returning home.

He disclosed that over 130 Adara communities were displaced as of May 29, 2023, but the number had dropped to about 74 by the first quarter of 2026.

He added that 16 communities along the Kurutu–Madaki Kurutu axis had recently been recovered through security operations.

“These gains reflect the impact of the Uba Sani peace model in Kaduna State,” he said.

Despite the progress, Bahago warned that internal collaboration remains a major setback, alleging that some residents act as informants, aiders, and even commanders of bandit groups.

“There is credible evidence that some locals have become deeply involved in criminal activities, including harbouring bandits and providing intelligence on targets and security operations,” he said.

He further alleged that more than 20 communities had entered into informal arrangements with bandits, providing support and information in exchange for temporary peace.

Bahago lamented what he described as widespread silence on the issue, noting that some individuals prefer politicising the crisis rather than addressing it constructively.

He pointed to neighbouring areas such as Kauru, Kaura, Zangon Kataf, and Birnin Gwari as examples where collective community action has helped reduce banditry.

The community leader called for a security summit to develop practical frameworks for tackling informants and strengthening collaboration with government.

He also urged residents, regardless of political affiliation, to support community-based initiatives aimed at restoring peace.

Bahago expressed confidence that the political will demonstrated by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani could support such efforts if communities take proactive steps.

He emphasised that adopting a unified approach would not only curb insecurity but also promote economic development across Southern Kaduna and the state at large.