The Department of State Services (DSS) has invited veteran journalist Reuben Buhari for questioning over a damning report alleging that bandits have subjected residents of several Kaduna communities to systemic sexual abuse, forced labour, and near-total control of daily life.
Buhari, a former spokesperson to the late Governor Patrick Yakowa, confirmed the invitation via a Facebook post on Wednesday. He wrote: “Yes, I can confirm that I have received an invitation from the DSS in Kaduna for a ‘chat,’ according to the officer who called me.”
The report, which has since sparked outrage, centres on communities in Kajuru Local Government Area—and, by extension, Kachia and Chikun LGAs—where residents are said to have entered survival agreements with armed groups after repeated attacks. According to Buhari’s account, these pacts have left villagers trapped in a cycle of terror now entering its third year.
In his post, Buhari cautioned readers about the distressing nature of the testimony before sharing the account of a man who fled one of the affected communities.
‘Wives Do Not Belong to Husbands’
The resident alleged that bandits dictate every facet of village life, including marital rights. Buhari quoted him as saying: “The man you see is married with five children, but his wife does not belong to him since the agreement was entered into. The kidnappers sleep with her whenever they feel the urge—sometimes while the children watch. If he protests, he will be shot.”
He added that a stick or blanket left outside a home signals that bandits will claim a wife or daughter for the night, while the husband is forced to sleep outside.
Movement, Possessions, and Food Strictly Controlled
Residents are reportedly forbidden from leaving without permission; those caught fleeing face summary execution. Farming is permitted, but one-quarter of every harvest is surrendered to the bandits. Mobile phones, torchlights, new clothing, and new motorcycles are all banned, with violators risking death.
Only old motorcycles are allowed, and fuel is sold exclusively by the bandits. Even machetes are prohibited—residents may only use hoes and diggers for farming.
Women Forced to Trade; Men Conscripted into Crime
Women are sent to neighbouring markets to buy or sell goods; if they fail to return, their husbands and children are shot. Men, meanwhile, are allegedly forced to accompany bandits on kidnapping and theft missions, with refusal punishable by death.
Essential Services Collapse
Buhari reported that churches, schools, and primary health centres have ceased to function, as teachers and healthcare workers have abandoned their posts. Bandits occasionally execute residents at random to instil fear and maintain control.
He warned that the situation extends far beyond Kajuru, stating: “There are more than 20 communities in Kajuru LGA, about 30 in Kachia LGA, and dozens in Chikun LGA that have entered into such agreements… Most have no freedom at all.”
Human Rights Lawyer Condemns Invitation
The invitation has drawn sharp criticism from human rights advocate Professor Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, who questioned why the journalist—rather than the alleged perpetrators—was being summoned.
Taking to social media, Odinkalu wrote: “It has now come to my knowledge that as a result of this article, DSS in Kaduna has today ‘invited’ Reuben Buhari. No such invitation has yet been transmitted to any of the terrorists perpetrating the atrocities. We will not allow Reuben to walk alone.”
Efforts to reach the DSS for an official comment on the invitation were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.