Residents further alleged that bandits have become increasingly brazen, now placing direct phone calls to villagers to threaten attacks or demand payments described as haraji (levies).
Residents of Southern Maska in Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State have again raised the alarm over escalating insecurity in the area, despite several peace agreements reportedly brokered between local government stakeholders and armed bandit groups.
Community members say they are living in constant fear as bandits continue to unleash attacks, issue threats and impose levies on villages, making normal life impossible across the axis.
The affected communities include Unguwar Mailaya, Asharaha, Burma, Gobirawa, Gwangwari, Dan Tudu, Tudun Maje, Kurku, Ganwai, Yar Tasha, Gursudu, Batarawa, Gidan Alhaji Koshe, Dan Kunsai, Hayin Gishiri, Unguwar Dini, Gidan Soda, Yambu and several other surrounding settlements.
Sources noted that the villages have suffered repeated violent attacks involving killings, kidnappings and large-scale theft of livestock and other valuables and residents have started fleeing.
“As recently as two nights ago, gunmen attempted to invade Unguwar Mailaya but were repelled by residents,” a source said. “However, the attackers later moved to Kauran Fawa in Dandume Local Government Area, where they reportedly killed eight people.”
Residents further alleged that bandits have become increasingly brazen, now placing direct phone calls to villagers to threaten attacks or demand payments described as haraji (levies).
According to locals, the ability of the armed groups to communicate freely with residents reflects the absence of adequate security presence in the affected communities.
“The bandits call people on the phone, threatening them and demanding money. We don’t see enough security personnel here, and that is why they are bold,” a resident said.
Community members are now calling on the Katsina State government and security agencies to urgently intervene by deploying security forces to protect lives and property before the situation deteriorates further.
The renewed wave of attacks has raised serious questions about the effectiveness and credibility of the peace deals earlier reached between Funtua Local Government stakeholders and bandit groups.
Residents are now asking why the agreements have failed to stop the violence and what measures authorities are taking to ensure lasting peace in Southern Maska and neighbouring areas of Katsina State.