By Mike Odeh James and Luka Binniyat
(Kajuru, Nigeria) – Fulani Ethnic Militia (FEM) are demanding a ransom of N200,000,000 million Naira (US$125,000) after invading a village in Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria, shooting 5, and abducting 25, including the village head and his wife.
Markus Maaji, a resident of Agamah, sat on the pavement outside a makeshift hospital in Kajuru town, his body bearing the gruesome scars of a recent attack by Fulani terrorists.
Maaji’s arms were wrapped in blood-stained bandages, with visible bullet wounds oozing blood. His face was smeared with dirt and sweat, and his eyes were sunken with pain and fatigue.
“It was January 18, 2025. My family gathered under a tree in front of my father’s hut to pray for his soul. He passed away seven days prior. As we finished praying, I heard two loud bangs on my right arm. I felt a warm, numb sensation and saw approximately 30 Fulani terrorists arriving on motorcycles. Amidst gunfire, they shouted, ‘Allahu Akbar, Allah Akbar, kill the infidels.’ I fell to the ground and lost consciousness,” Maaji said to TruthNigeria.
The Agamah settlement, nestled in a sparsely forested area more, is home to over 3,000 Adara and Gwari ethnic groups, primarily farmers and Christians. Agamah settlement, also known as Ungwar Gurgu, is a thriving agricultural community with vast expanses of land dedicated to farming.
The inhabitants cultivate various crops, including corn, sweet potatoes, cowpea, and cassava. The community’s reliance on farming has made it a target for Fulani terrorists seeking to disrupt the local food supply.
Terrorist bandits are known to attack and loot settlements of Fulani herders and farmers as well as majority Christian villages like Agamah. The region in Kajuru is far from the bustling metropolis of Kaduna City to the northwest.
Maaji is one of five people shot on January 18, 2025, by Fulani Ethnic Militia, who rode into Agamah, shooting into the air, wreaking havoc, and destroying property. The bandit-militia took the village head, Halidu Galadima, his wife, Martha, and 25 others hostage.
This brazen attack marks the fourth time Agamah has been targeted by Fulani terrorists.
“We’ve lost count of the attacks,” said Samson Baruwa, secretary of Agamah. “Our leader was abducted on January 18, 2025 – the fourth time he’s been kidnapped.”
Baruwa revealed the community urged Galadima to leave, but he refused, choosing to stay with his people.
“He insisted on staying with us,” said Abutu. “He believes in the importance of community and wants to protect his people.”
The relentless attacks have raised concerns about the Nigerian government’s ability to protect citizens. Targeting farming communities sparks fears of a looming food crisis.
“This is the fourth time our community has been attacked,” Baruwa told TruthNigeria. “Our village head and his wife were abducted. Despite advising him to relocate, he chose to stay.”
Terrorists Loot Food Stores
The terrorists took advantage of panicked residents, looting houses, and stealing food items, including rice, corn, and yams. The community’s food storage facilities were also destroyed, leaving many without access to basic necessities.
“The terrorists seemed to be targeting our food supplies,” said Baruwa. “They know that by destroying our crops and stealing our food, they can create a humanitarian crisis.”
Dennis Luka, 10, was shot. TruthNigeria met him at a medical facility in Kajuru. He was among five shot by Fulani terrorists.
Dennis’s caregiver, Amina Samuel, recounted the incident: “He was sitting outside when terrorists on motorcycles fired shots. One bullet hit him, striking his thigh.”
Terrorists Demand Ransom
As TruthNigeria visited Agamah, most homes were empty, with residents fleeing due to fear of capture or killing.
“Fewer than 20 people remain,” said Baruwa. “The terrorists demand 200 million Nigerian naira for the release of 25 kidnapped individuals.”
“They threaten to execute hostages by January’s end if we fail to provide ransom,” he added.
Nigerian Military Combats Terrorism Over Broad Area
The attacks have left the community in a state of fear and uncertainty. Many are too afraid to return to their homes, and those who remain are living in constant fear of another attack.
“We are living in fear,” said Baruwa. “We don’t know when the next attack will come. We are appealing to the government to provide us with security and protection.”
The Nigerian government has been criticized for its response to the attacks, with many calling for greater action to be taken.
However, the Nigerian Army since September 2023 has mounted a rigorous campaign against terrorist-bandits in the Northwest and claims that thousands of bandits and Islamist insurgents have been killed in combat.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced on Jan. 17 that troops killed 156 terrorists, arrested 464 individuals, and successfully rescued 181 hostages from kidnappers during the second week of January. During a biweekly press briefing on the progress made by Nigerian military across a sweeping range of territory Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General Edward Buba, emphasized the military’s commitment to defeating terrorism and insurgency.
Mike Odeh James and Luka Binniyat are conflict reporters and write for Truthnigeria.
