Terrorists turn communities into ghost settlements

By Dayo Johnson, Regional Editor, South West; Demola Akinyemi; Peter Duru; Ndahi Marama; Boluwaji Obahopo; Adeola Badru; Idris Salisu & Golok Nanmwa

Following the reign of terror characterised by killings and abductions of residents by terrorists, many communities in the country have been deserted. Residents have fled their homes and are taking refuge in other communities and cities. The communities are now deserted while others are near empty as fear, killings and kidnappings disrupt rural life. What we now have are ghost settlements. Other communities are under the direct control of the terrorists who collect one form of levy or another from the natives. Fleeing residents are asking if they will ever come back to their ancestral homes. Those who are under the government of the terrorists are lamenting if they will ever be liberated.

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Kogi communities slide into silence

In Kogi state, hundreds of residents of Okunran community in Yagba West Local Government Area, have reportedly fled their homes after persistent attacks by armed terrorists. The once-bustling community was abandoned as kidnappings, killings and repeated ransom demands pushed families to safer areas.ý Residents also warned that neighbouring communities of Okoloke and Egbe were under similar pressure, with fears that more communities would be deserted if the attacks continue.

It will be recalled that in March 2018, at least five communities in Dekina Local Government Area — Adumu, Aloko, Oganeinugu, Ojuole and Omayege — were reported deserted after deadly attacks linked to suspected herdsmen. Other communities in Dekina and neighbouring Omala were also thrown into panic as villagers fled following killings and the burning of their homes.

Insecurity has also disrupted movement and economic life in the Kabba-Bunu axis and parts of Okunland, where repeated kidnappings and attacks on roads and farming communities have deepened fears among residents. ýThe effect is visible across affected areas: abandoned homes, empty farmlands, declining trade and a growing number of displaced families seeking refuge in safer towns. For many rural dwellers, the choice has become stark — remain at home and risk attack, or flee and lose livelihoods built over generations.

Community leaders and residents have repeatedly called for stronger security deployment, sustained surveillance of flashpoints and urgent government intervention to prevent more Kogi communities from sliding into silence.

Kwara: Thieves loot deserted communities

Terrorist attacks in Kwara state are prevalent in the northern and southern parts of the state, leaving the central part where fleeing residents run to. Ilorin, the state capital and other neighbouring communities such as Ganmo, Idofian, Amoyo, Alakuko in Ifelodun and Offa, in Offa Local Government are currently overcrowded by residents who fled their communities which were under constant attacks by terrorists.

Residents including monarchs were being constantly kidnapped in their homes, places of worship and on their farms while striving to make ends meet and those who have been abducted are still in captivity of the terrorists for their inability to meet up with the millions of naira being demanded as ransom by the terrorists. Such kidnappings occurred in Omugo and Eruku communities. Out of fear, most of the remaining residents had no choice than to relocate from their ancestral homes.

The affected communities have been completely deserted. But what is currently playing out in some of the deserted communities in Kwara south is that thieves are having a field day coming into the deserted communities to steal goats, hens and other domestic animals. Vanguard reliably gathered that four of the thieves who came to steal goats abandoned by the fleeing residents at Ekudaji community, near Ola in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state were arrested by the few people that the thieves didn’t know were still in the community.

List of communities affected by terrorist attacks particularly in the Northern parts of the state are Woro and Nuku in Kaiama Local Government where over 160 residents were killed by the terrorists.

Also affected in the local government are Kemanji, Tenebo, Baabete, and Nanu villages where residents were overrun by extremists, forcing mass displacement.

In Baruten Local Government, parts of Yashikira District have been deserted as a result of the last coordinated terrorist attacks on the Emir’s palace which resulted in panic by the people.

Also in Patigi and Edu Local Government Areas, the affected communities are Lata, Mari, Dina, and Lile where armed assailants forced residents to flee into nearby bushes.

In Kwara south, particularly in Ifelodun Local Government communities that have been deserted are Olayinka, Owa-Onire, Omugo, Bayagan, Gaa-Idera, and Gaa Dembo-Agunjin. Others are Eka, Gbanmu, Kudagbari, Oloruntele, and Ayetoro which have all been deserted by residents after months of incessant attacks.

Benue: Armed herdsmen occupy Benue communities

Benue State has remained one of the epicentres of armed herdsmen and terrorist activities in Nigeria over the past decade. The persistent attacks have forced residents of several communities to flee their ancestral homes for fear of being killed by the marauding gunmen.

While many displaced residents have sought refuge in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps, others have relocated to neighbouring communities to live with relatives. The mass exodus has left hundreds of villages deserted, allowing armed herdsmen to occupy the communities while the original inhabitants remain confined to camps and dependent on the support of individuals, humanitarian organisations and government agencies.

To date, many of the affected communities remain abandoned by their owners, with armed herdsmen either taking over the settlements or converting them into grazing fields. Virtually no part of Benue State has been spared from the activities of armed herders and bandits.

In Benue North-East Senatorial District, also known as Zone A, communities such as Anwase and Abande in Kwande Local Government Area (LGA) have reportedly been taken over by armed herdsmen. A large portion of Turan in the same LGA is also said to be under the control of terrorists.

Moor Council Ward in Kwande has remained occupied for several years after residents of numerous villages fled following repeated invasions by armed herdsmen.

Similarly, communities in Sai, Katsina-Ala LGA, have been sacked and occupied by the attackers. In Ukum LGA, communities including Tombo, Jootar and Vaase have also been overrun by the marauders. Likewise, in Logo LGA, settlements such as Ayilamo, Gbeji and Chembe were displaced by attacks, with reports indicating that armed herdsmen continue to operate freely in the areas.

In Benue North-West Senatorial District, also known as Zone B, many of the occupied communities are located in Guma and Gwer West LGAs.

Recently, the Chairman of the Gwer West Traditional Council, His Royal Highness Daniel Abomste, raised concerns over the situation, lamenting that a significant portion of his domain had been taken over by armed herdsmen, forcing many of his subjects into IDP camps.

In Guma LGA, communities and settlements in the Mbagwen axis, parts of Yogbo, Tse-Ajugu, Ashave, Zaki Biam-Gbogio and Tse Achuku are among areas still reportedly occupied by the marauders.

The LGA remains one of the major flashpoints of armed herdsmen attacks and insecurity in Benue State.

Borno: Terrorists issue payment documents, harvest tax due per bag of grain

In Borno State, farmers in Jere, Kaga, Kukawa, Mafa, Damboa, Gwoza, Konduga and other local government areas have raised the alarm that terrorists have started killing and abducting farmers from their farm. Zabarmari farmers in Jere lamented that they could only cover a few kilometers to cultivate their lands and that the terrorists have prevented them from getting to Koshebe village and beyond. Some of these communities are under the direct control of the terrorists who collect levies from the natives.

Koshebe for example, is a large rice farmland where Boko Haram terrorists slaughtered dozens of rice farmers years back.

“The rain has started but everyone is waiting for the insurgents’ terms before going to those places to cultivate. I’m not even sure they will allow people to access that area this time around,” a farmer, Modu Usman lamented. In Konduga Local Government Area, farmland that is within a range of 20 kilometers is also not accessible, as farmers who fail to pay levies are at risk of terrorist attacks or abduction.

A Civilian JTF in Dalori village in Konduga who is not authorized to talk to the press, said that the assailants were targeting farmers in the area. “Any farmer who attempts to cross to that area will be kidnapped by the Boko Haram terrorists. They will collect a huge ransom before they set the farmer free,” he said.

In Kukawa Local Government area, a farmer revealed that the insurgents have refused farmers access to their farmlands in Kekeno, Dabam-Masara, Dawasau, and other places. Likewise, some farmers in the fishing communities of Baga town are subjected to pay levies before allowing them to fish in the Lake Chad Basin corridor. “Things are becoming very bad this time around, we don’t know if the insurgents will allow farming this season. The season is running out and everyone is afraid to risk his life,” a resident of Baga, Mallam Audu Isa said.

In Kaga Local Government Area, sources revealed that the insurgents were collecting taxes from farmers in villages close to Ngamdu, Makinta Kuliri, Tamsu Kawu among others. One of the farmers in the area said that a written document is being issued to them by the insurgents after making payments for the levies. “Once you have that document, you will not be asked for any further payment until the expiration date stated on the document,” he said. He, however, said that there would be another payment during harvest, which the farmers would pay per bag of grains.

All the farmers and security operatives interviewed expressed fear that a huge percentage of arable land would not be cultivated across the state. Many of them confirmed that the insurgents were no longer interested in the tax but resorted to abducting farmers and collecting huge amounts of money as ransom while their victims who could not meet such demands would be killed.

Yobe: Residents lobby terrorists with livestock, grains every rainy season

In Yobe state, communities such as Goniri, Buni Yadi in part of Gujba Local Government Areas, Jili in Geidam Local Government Area and Kanamma, the birth place of late Mohammed Yusuf, Boko Haram Founder, Marari and other communities in Yusufari Local Government Area are being terrorized by terrorists on their farms. According to residents, they usually lobby the terrorists with livestock and grains to allow them cultivate their farmlands every rainy season.

Plateau

Communities under attack abandon homes, farmlands in search of safety

Renewed attacks on communities in Plateau State have heightened fears of fresh displacement, as residents in affected local government areas continue to abandon their homes and farmlands in search of safety. It will be recalled that rural communities in Bokkos, Mangu, Jos South, Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Riyom have come under attack by gunmen.

Findings indicate that, unlike some conflict zones where armed groups impose levies on local populations, many communities in Plateau are primarily facing repeated attacks, killings, destruction of property, and forced displacement rather than occupation or taxation by armed elements. Mining camps have also been targeted by the terrorists. The latest incident occurred in Kawel community, Bokkos Local Government Area, where at least 22 people were killed by armed attackers. The attack has renewed concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the state. Security operatives were said to have engaged the attackers in a gun battle before they withdrew.

Residents said the recurring violence has continued to disrupt farming activities and push vulnerable households to temporarily relocate to safer communities and urban centres.

Many families are still rebuilding after previous attacks, while others remain displaced. Humanitarian and post-conflict assessments have continued to highlight challenges related to shelter, food security, and livelihoods among affected populations.

Community leaders and residents have continued to call for stronger security deployment, improved protection for farming communities, and practical measures that would enable displaced families to return to their homes without fear of renewed attacks.

Ondo: Residents forced to relocate to state capital

In Ondo state, persistent attacks in communities across Akure North LGA of Ondo State have forced residents of Ilu Abo, Eleyewo, Imafon and Owode to relocate to Akure, the state capital, for safety.

Findings showed that many residents have not returned home due to unending activities of terrorists. Although the communities are not under terrorist control, fear of the unknown has kept displaced families away. Many of them have rented houses in Akure and abandoned their homes in the affected communities.

A meat seller in Ilu Abo and his pregnant wife were recently abducted. Their kidnappers reportedly warned them never to return. He has since settled in Akure with his family.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has expressed concern over the attacks. During a condolence visit to the palace of the Olumafon of Imafon, Oba Samuel Adegbehingbe Aliu, over recent violence in Imafon, Igushin and Ilado, the governor vowed to root out bandits terrorising Akure North.

Commiserating with bereaved families, Aiyedatiwa described the killings as disturbing. He cited the murder of a female farmer and her daughter at a poultry farm in a forest area, and the shooting of a young man in Ilado who resisted abduction.

The governor said security agencies — police, NSCDC and military — are working with local hunters and vigilantes to secure forests and adjoining communities. He noted progress in tackling kidnapping for ransom but warned that the recent killings signal a troubling shift. Aiyedatiwa disclosed that over 100 suspected kidnappers have been arrested, detained and charged to court. He announced plans to set up Amotekun posts in troubled communities and partner with the military to strengthen monitoring.

Oyo: Fear of abduction grips farmers

Residents of parts of Ogbomoso and Ibarapa areas of Oyo State have continued to express concerns over worsening insecurity, saying persistent kidnappings and attacks have significantly affected their daily lives, livelihoods and freedom of movement. Findings revealed that while Ogbomoso township remained relatively calm, several rural communities have experienced security challenges linked to criminal gangs and kidnappers.

In Ibarapa, many farmers said they could not access their farmlands due to fear of abduction and violent attacks. In Oriire Local Government Area of Ogbomoso zone, communities around Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota, Alawusa and Oloka villages near Ikoyi-Ile have witnessed heightened tension following incidents of kidnappings and attacks on residents.

Many inhabitants disclosed that the fear generated by these incidents has altered their routines, with people avoiding unnecessary travel, particularly during the evening hours.

A trader in Ikoyi-Ile, Mrs Funke Adebayo, said residents now live in constant apprehension.

“People are no longer comfortable moving around as freely as they used to. Once it begins to get dark, many prefer to stay indoors because nobody wants to take chances with their safety,” she said

According to residents, rumours and reports of criminal activities in neighbouring villages have contributed to widespread anxiety, affecting commercial and social activities in the area.

Mr Ganiyu Olatunji, a commercial motorcycle operator, explained that transport operators have also adjusted their schedules. “There are routes we no longer go at certain times of the day. Passengers are also more cautious. Everyone is trying to avoid places considered vulnerable,” he said.

In Ibarapa land, residents described insecurity as one of the greatest challenges confronting the zone. The area has recorded repeated clashes involving armed criminals and local farmers, leading to widespread concerns about safety in rural communities.

Communities around Igangan, Tapa and parts of Ayete have become synonymous with reports of kidnappings and attacks, particularly along farm routes and remote agricultural settlements.

Mr Adewale Oladipo, a farmer in Igangan, said many residents have abandoned portions of their farms due to security fears. “Farming is our primary source of livelihood, but many people are afraid to go to their farms. Some have reduced their farming activities because they do not want to become victims of kidnapping,” he said. Another resident, Mrs Risikat Akinyemi, lamented the economic consequences of the situation. “When farmers cannot access their land, food production suffers. Families lose income and the entire community feels the impact. This insecurity is affecting our survival,” she stated.

A community leader in Ogbomoso, Chief Sunday Afolabi, urged authorities to intensify patrols in rural settlements. “The government must ensure that security personnel are adequately deployed to communities facing threats. Rural residents deserve the same level of protection as people living in major towns,” he said. Mr Tunde Alaran, a youth leader in Ayete, stressed the need for a coordinated response. “Security challenges require collaboration between government, security agencies and local communities. People need confidence that help will arrive when they are in danger,” he said.

Zamfara

Terrorists intensifying attacks

Zamfara State in Northern Nigeria has been reported as having the highest number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) with no less than one hundred and eighty seven thousand (187,000) inmates according to official records. They were forced to leave their villages as a result of persistent attacks and killings by the terrorists.

Available reports indicated that between 2009 to 2026, over 107 villages were reported to have been deserted when terrorists burnt down their houses and forced the inhabitants to flee for their dear lives and relocated to Gusau the capital city of Zamfara State as internally Displaced Persons IDPs.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that while some of the IDPs are residing at various camps provided by the government, some are taking refuge with their relatives or living in rented houses in safer communities.

Vanguard News

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