Maryam Bagel, a former state assembly representative, has reported a surge in criminal activity within the Dass Local Government Area of Bauchi State. Within a two-week span, she noted that one individual was murdered and four others were taken captive in a series of violent incidents.
Reporting on social media, Bagel highlighted the escalating danger in the Kagadama and Bagel communities. She stated that the initial target was a local chemist, who was seized by armed individuals demanding a 50 million Naira ransom, a sum she described as impossible for a local business owner to meet.
The violence continued when attackers targeted a man named Shahibi, who had survived a previous kidnapping attempt the prior year. When he fought back, the assailants shot him multiple times in front of his family, resulting in his death. Shortly after, the gunmen struck again in Kagadama, attempting to seize a shopkeeper. Although the shopkeeper escaped, the attackers abducted three other people, including a ten-year-old child.
Bagel has formally urged the Bauchi State Government and law enforcement to take immediate steps to restore safety to the region. In response, Bauchi Police spokesperson SP Nafiu Abubakar confirmed that security forces are actively working to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators. A joint task force, consisting of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Violent Crime Reduction Unit, local vigilantes, and hunters, has been deployed to the area to locate the hostages and bring the offenders to justice.
