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Residents of Gwana District in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State have fled their homes en masse following a deadly attack by bandits that claimed the lives of two soldiers and a vigilante operative.
The attack, which occurred at about 4:32 pm on February 22, 2026, targeted both the community and a Joint Task Force base.
The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed that operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit engaged the assailants in a gun duel, neutralising seven suspected bandits.
Three residents were, however, reportedly abducted during the assault.
In the aftermath, terrified families abandoned their homes, farmlands and businesses, fleeing to neighbouring states in search of safety.
A photograph obtained by DAILY POST showed villagers hurriedly loading household items onto vehicles and motorcycles, visibly anxious as they prepared to leave.
In a letter to Governor Bala Mohammed, Comrade Muhammad Abubakar Futuk, Public Relations Officer of the Gwana District Community Development Association, described the district as “a shadow of fear and uncertainty”, urging the immediate deployment of security personnel to protect lives and property.
He described the situation as unbearable, adding that residents are now living in constant fear.
He further lamented that farmers can no longer access their fields, while traders have curtailed travel, resulting in a sharp decline in economic activity.
According to him, the lack of adequate security has emboldened bandits, leaving residents vulnerable to further attacks.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered additional security deployments to restore order, safeguard displaced residents, and prevent further attacks.
He assured the public that intelligence-gathering and monitoring operations are ongoing to track fleeing bandits and rescue the abducted victims.
