Protests Turn Deadly After Bandit Attacks In Katsina Communities

At least two people were killed following protests in the Danjanku, Dantashi, and Dayi communities of Malumfashi Local Government Area, Katsina State, after a series of deadly bandit attacks.

The unrest followed a recent raid that left one person dead and 17 others abducted, despite an existing peace agreement between the government and local criminal groups. Residents said Monday night’s attack was the third in less than a week, bringing the total number of abductions in the area to over 30.

Eyewitnesses reported that bandits invaded Danjanku around midnight, scaling fences to enter homes, abducting several residents, and killing one individual. Angered by the attack, youths staged protests Tuesday morning, blocking the Funtua–Katsina highway to demand action from authorities.

The initially peaceful protest reportedly turned violent when security personnel arrived, allegedly killing two protesters and injuring two others. Residents of Dantashi and Dayi later joined in solidarity, burning tires and blocking roads in protest against the worsening insecurity. Calm was eventually restored following intervention by traditional rulers and community leaders.

The Village Head of Danjanku, Tanimu Almakiyayi, confirmed the attack, stating, “They came last night, killed one of our people, and abducted several others. We are living in fear here.” A security source corroborated the report, saying the bandits abducted 17 people and killed one during the invasion.

Residents criticized both the state government and security agencies for failing to protect rural communities, saying the peace agreement has not prevented continued attacks. “They still tax us to harvest our farm produce. Even after paying, there’s no guarantee we can farm or move freely,” one resident lamented.

In a related incident, a Fulani settlement behind the Bakori Local Government Secretariat was attacked, resulting in the death of one policeman, injuries to two others, and the neutralization of about nine suspected bandits. Some livestock were reportedly rustled before a combined team of military, police, and vigilantes responded.