15 Katsina Villages Deserted as Bandit Attacks Escalate

No fewer than 15 villages in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State have been abandoned as renewed bandit attacks force residents to flee their homes, worsening insecurity across the southern part of the state.

Residents of Dandume, Funtua and Bakori told the BBC that armed bandits have intensified attacks over the past two weeks, killing, abducting and rustling livestock almost daily.

They said the persistent violence has crippled farming, restricted movement and left many communities living in fear despite ongoing security operations.

In Funtua, residents said bandits have become bold enough to launch attacks within the town, including cattle rustling near commercial areas.

They, however, commended security personnel for responding promptly to distress calls, noting that recent gun battles led to the arrest of one suspect and the killing of another bandit.

Communities in Bakori, including Kakumi, Sabon Layi, Gidan Jaura and Garanguzai, also reported increasing attacks, saying travelling even a kilometre outside town has become dangerous due to frequent kidnappings and armed robberies.

Residents appealed to government authorities to restore peace, stressing that their greatest need is security rather than infrastructure.

The State Police Command is yet to comment on renewed attacks in the state as the time of filing this report.