No fewer than 84 people have been killed by suspected bandits in the last two weeks across the country.

Worst hit are Kaduna and Xamfara States. The situation forced President Muhammadu Buhari to express sorrow.

For some time now, Nigeria has been a hotbed of conflicts. Apart from the perennial conflict between the farmers and herdsmen, there are other notable security challenges, including one posed by bandits.

Recently, in the North-West,  particularly Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna and Kebbi States, the activities of bandits have been particularly alarming.

The activities of the bandits’ range from kidnapping to murder, robbery, rape, cattle-rustling and the likes. Their modus operandi involves maiming and killing victims with little or no provocations.

For example, on Thursday, 42 people were massacred by bandits in five communities of Faru District in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

TIMELINE

June 21, A state lawmaker, Muhammad Ahmad, killed by gunmen in Zamfara

July 4, Kaduna State Government reveals that about seven people were killed by suspected bandits in Chikun, Kajuru and Giwa Local Government Areas of the state.

July 5, Suspected bandits kill  at least 19 people in an attack on Tsauwa village,  Katsina  State.

July 6, Bandits kill seven soldiers, injure five others after ambushing troops of the Forward Operational Base and that of the Special Operational Command operating in Kebbi.

July 8, Bandits kill 42 people in five communities of Faru District in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara

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