Nigeria's growing kidnapping crisis: villagers describe brutal attacks and displacement

Her husband and six of his siblings were killed in the June attack on Bia Buki village, which also resulted in approximately 70 deaths, including children. Fatima is now among an estimated 800,000 Nigerians displaced in the north-west due to violence, living in an informal camp in Gusau with her seven children. The attacks are primarily carried out by gangs, locally known as bandits, who operate on motorcycles, attacking quickly and escaping before security forces arrive.

These bandits, often from the Fulani ethnic group, have shifted from cattle trading to kidnapping and extortion, demanding ransoms and protection money from farmers. The number of incidents in north-west Nigeria increased by 78% in the first half of this year, and kidnappings across the country doubled. While some attacks are by militant Islamist groups, the majority in this region are by these gangs.

The violence is spreading southward, with schools becoming frequent targets. In May, gunmen attacked three schools in Oyo state, a previously safer region, abducting 39 children and seven teachers. Nigeria's military and police are overstretched, leading to the use of government-backed vigilante groups, though concerns exist about their involvement.

Despite increased security measures and a significant defense budget increase, communities