Senator Shehu Buba Vows Action as Bandit Attack Claims 19 Lives in Bauchi
By Abdulwahab Muhammad Bauchi
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Security and Intelligence, Senator Shehu Buba Umar, has pledged swift action and stronger collaboration among stakeholders to combat insecurity following a deadly bandit attack that left 19 people dead in Duguri-Gwana District, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
The attack, which occurred on May 4, 2025, saw armed bandits ambush a combined patrol team of professional hunters from Duguri and Gwana districts in the Dajin Madam forest corridor, near the Bauchi–Plateau border. The confrontation resulted in the deaths of nine hunters and ten civilians, with over 1,100 cows reportedly stolen by the attackers.
In response to the tragedy, Senator Buba, who represents Bauchi South Senatorial District, visited the affected communities on Thursday to offer condolences and support. He met with families of the deceased, traditional leaders—including the District Head of Duguri and the village heads of Alkaleri, Garin Mansur, and Gwana—and community members devastated by the loss.
“When the incident happened, I was out of the country. Now that I am back, I made it a priority to come here and mourn with the families,” Buba said. “Bauchi is a peaceful state, but we sometimes experience these tragic events because of criminal elements trying to infiltrate our communities.”
He called for unity and proactive community engagement to fight back against the rising wave of rural banditry.
“We must collectively resist such attempts by aligning ourselves with the goal of a stronger, safer community. Timely information sharing with traditional leaders and security agencies is crucial,” he added.
To alleviate the immediate hardship faced by the bereaved families, Senator Buba donated ₦10 million, promising further support and interventions in collaboration with the Bauchi State Government and federal security bodies.
He was accompanied during the visit by Hon. Alhaji Kabiru Y. Makama, popularly known as Aky Makama, the House of Representatives member for Alkaleri/Kirfi Federal Constituency.
Both lawmakers condemned the killings, describing the attack as cowardly and destabilizing. Senator Buba stressed the urgent need for enhanced surveillance and security infrastructure to prevent further violence in the region.
Victims of the attack included not only vigilante operatives but also civilians from Sabuwar Sara village who were reportedly shot while attempting to flee. The large-scale theft of livestock and the scale of casualties have deeply shaken the affected communities.
Senator Buba reaffirmed his commitment to restoring peace and security in Bauchi South and called on all residents to remain vigilant, cooperative, and united in the face of criminal threats.
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