Tension has arisen in the Danjanku, Dantashi, and Dayi communities within the Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, following a recent attack by bandits that resulted in one fatality and the abduction of 17 individuals, despite an established peace agreement between the perpetrators and the government.
Residents report that the most recent attack, which took place on Monday night, marks the third incident in under a week, resulting in over 30 individuals being abducted from the impacted areas, as stated by Vanguard.
According to eyewitness accounts, the bandits invaded Danjanku around midnight, breaching fences to enter homes, where they proceeded to abduct residents and tragically took the life of one individual.
In a display of frustration, residents, primarily young individuals, took to the streets yesterday morning, obstructing the Funtua–Katsina highway to protest the ongoing attacks and the government’s inability to ensure safety in the region.
Nevertheless, the peaceful demonstration escalated into violence when a joint team of security forces intervened to disperse the gathering, resulting in the death of one protester.
Residents of Dantashi and Dayi subsequently united in protest, obstructing roads and igniting tyres to express their frustration regarding the escalating insecurity.
Stability has been restored to the area following the intervention of traditional rulers and community elders. The Village Head of Danjanku, Tanimu Almakiyayi, has verified the occurrence of the attack.
“Last night, an incident occurred resulting in one fatality and the abduction of several individuals.” He expressed, “We are experiencing a significant level of fear here.”
A security source, speaking under the condition of anonymity, has also verified the incident.
“Last night, an incursion occurred in Danjanku, resulting in the abduction of 17 individuals, with one fatality reported,” he stated.
Residents reported that soldiers assigned to restore order fatally shot two protesters and injured two additional individuals during the incident.
At the time of publication, calls and messages directed to the Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer for a response had not been returned.
According to reports from local sources, Malumfashi and the adjacent Bakori regions are experiencing a resurgence of attacks, despite the peace agreement established with the bandits.
“We are still subject to taxation on the harvest of our agricultural produce.” “Despite having made the payment, there remains no assurance that we can farm or move without restrictions,” one resident expressed.
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