Bandits Block Highway, Abduct 9, As 15 Katsina Villages Lie Deserted

Fresh attacks by suspected bandits have forced residents to abandon at least 15 communities in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State, following the abduction of nine travellers along the Funtua–Dandume highway.

The latest attack occurred around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday at Hawan Fulani, a section of the highway between Ilela and Dandume, where the gunmen reportedly blocked the road and intercepted vehicles.

A resident, Comrade Abubakar Bature Dandume, who confirmed the incident, said the area had remained under sustained bandit attacks for about two weeks.

According to him, the gunmen have invaded several communities, including Takalamawa and Tubrake, killing some residents and abducting others.

Bature said the worsening attacks had forced families in about 15 villages to flee their homes and seek refuge in safer locations.

He also disclosed that efforts by local stakeholders to negotiate peace with the bandits had failed, alleging that one of those involved in the dialogue, Alhaji Bala Kabob, was killed during the peace initiative.

He expressed concern that the continued abandonment of rural communities could create an opportunity for the bandits to expand their operations towards Dandume town.

Bature called on the government to deploy additional security personnel to the affected communities and intensify sustained operations against the bandits.

He said urgent action was needed to enable displaced residents to return home and restore confidence along the highway and surrounding communities.

When contacted, the Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Sadiq Abubakar Aliyu, declined to comment on the reported abductions and attacks.

He also did not respond to a follow-up message sent seeking clarification on the incident.