By Hauwau Shehu Maikeffi
In a series of harrowing attacks, bandits have unleashed terror across multiple communities in Katsina State, resulting in the deaths of at least six individuals and the abduction of approximately 59 others.
The wave of violence began on Sunday night in the Mai-Kwama community of Dandume Local Government Area (LGA). Armed assailants stormed the village, opening fire indiscriminately. According to reports, four residents were killed, and over 50 others were forcibly taken.
A security analyst, known as Bakatsine, highlighted the severity of the situation, stating, “Last night, bandits attacked the Mai-Kwama community in Dandume LGA, Katsina State. They killed four people and abducted over 50 during the attack.”
The violence extended into neighboring Funtua LGA, where additional casualties and abductions were reported. Specific details regarding the number of victims in Funtua remain unclear, but the pattern of simultaneous attacks has heightened fears among residents.
Katsina State has been a hotspot for banditry, with numerous incidents of killings and kidnappings over the past year. In June 2024, Maidabino village in Danmusa LGA witnessed an attack that left at least seven dead and many residents abducted.
More recently, in November 2024, bandits targeted a Maulud celebration in Katsina, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 individuals and the abduction of several others.
The recurrent nature of these attacks has left communities in a state of perpetual fear. Residents are calling on both state and federal authorities to implement more robust security measures to curb the menace of banditry.
A local leader from Dandume LGA expressed the community’s frustration: “We are living in constant fear. Our children cannot go to school, and farming activities have been halted. We need immediate intervention to restore peace.”
While the Katsina State government has initiated various security operations to combat banditry, challenges persist. The vast and often inaccessible terrains provide hideouts for these criminal elements, complicating efforts by security forces.
In response to the recent attacks, the state police command has reportedly deployed additional personnel to the affected areas. However, as of the time of reporting, official statements from the police regarding the incidents are yet to be released.
The latest attacks in Katsina underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive and collaborative approach to address the security challenges plaguing the region. As communities mourn their losses and grapple with the trauma of abductions, the call for decisive action grows louder.
