Protest Erupts in Katsina Communities Over Fresh Bandit Attacks, Killings

Tension has gripped Danjanku, Dantashi, and Dayi communities in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State following renewed bandit attacks that left one person dead and 17 others abducted, despite an existing peace deal between the criminals and the government.

Residents said the latest assault, which occurred on Monday night, marked the third attack in less than a week, bringing the total number of abducted persons in the area to over 30.

Eyewitnesses recounted that the assailants stormed Danjanku around midnight, scaling fences to gain entry into homes before abducting residents and killing one victim.

Angered by the incessant violence and lack of government protection, youths from the affected communities took to the streets on Tuesday morning, blocking the Funtua–Katsina highway to protest the growing insecurity.

However, the protest turned tragic when security personnel deployed to disperse the demonstrators allegedly opened fire, killing at least one protester and injuring others.

Residents of neighbouring Dantashi and Dayi joined the protest in solidarity, blocking roads and burning tyres to express their outrage over the continued banditry in the region.

The situation was later brought under control following the intervention of traditional rulers and community elders. Confirming the incident, the Village Head of Danjanku, Tanimu Almakiyayi, said:

“They came last night, killed one person, and abducted several others. We are living in fear here.”

A security source, who requested anonymity, also confirmed the attack, stating that 17 residents were abducted and one person killed during the invasion.

Residents further accused security operatives of excessive force during the protest, alleging that soldiers shot and killed two demonstrators and injured two others.

Efforts to reach the Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer for comments were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered at press time.

Locals lamented that despite a peace pact between the state government and the bandits, attacks have continued unabated in Malumfashi and neighbouring Bakori areas.

“They still tax us to harvest our farm produce. Even after paying, there’s no guarantee we can farm or move freely,” a resident said in frustration.

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