At least 17 people have been killed in a series of violent clashes between bandits and illegal miners in Kaduna State, according to an updated security report obtained by AFP.
The violence erupted on Thursday at an illegal mining site in Birnin Gwari district, after a notorious bandit kingpin allegedly attempted to extort gold from the miners at gunpoint.
In retaliation, the miners reportedly mobilised and killed the bandit leader — a move that triggered a reprisal attack by his associates, who stormed the mining site and killed seven miners.
Later that same day, the bandits launched a fresh assault on Layin Danauta village, killing nine people, injuring 13 others, and kidnapping several residents while also destroying homes and properties.
Birnin Gwari, a mineral-rich but volatile agricultural region, had seen a significant decline in bandit attacks following a peace agreement brokered by the Kaduna State Government in November 2024.
However, residents say the latest confrontation has shattered the calm and reignited fears of renewed violence.
Muhammad Kabir, a resident of Birnin Gwari, confirmed the killing of the bandit leader and the subsequent attack on Layin Danauta.
“We have been enjoying relative peace since the peace deal was signed, but this latest violence risks jeopardising it,” he said.
Security officials have warned that the clashes could undermine the fragile peace accord and possibly trigger fresh waves of attacks in the region.