Katsina Youths protest after fresh bandit raid leaves one dead, 17 kidnapped

Fear and anger have gripped Danjanku, Dantashi, and Dayi communities in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State after a fresh bandit attack left one person dead and 17 others kidnapped, despite the government’s ongoing peace agreement with the criminals.

Residents said the attack, which happened on Monday night, was the third within a week, bringing the total number of abducted persons in the area to over 30. Eyewitnesses recounted how the gunmen invaded Danjanku around midnight, scaled fences, and broke into homes before killing one resident and taking several others away.

Outraged by the incident, youths from the affected communities took to the streets on Tuesday morning, blocking the Funtua–Katsina highway to protest what they described as the government’s failure to protect them. The protest turned violent after security operatives tried to disperse the crowd, resulting in the death of a protester and injuries to others.

Residents of Dantashi and Dayi later joined in solidarity, blocking roads and burning tyres to express their frustration over the worsening insecurity.

Calm was eventually restored after traditional rulers and community leaders intervened. The Village Head of Danjanku, Tanimu Almakiyayi, confirmed the attack, saying, “They came last night, killed one person, and abducted several others. We are living in fear here.”

A security source also confirmed the incident, stating that 17 people were abducted and one killed during the raid. Residents further alleged that soldiers sent to maintain order shot and killed two protesters while injuring others.

As of press time, efforts to reach the Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer for comment were unsuccessful. Locals in Malumfashi and nearby Bakori lamented that bandit attacks have continued despite peace talks, adding that the criminals now demand levies before allowing farmers to harvest their crops.

“They still tax us to harvest our farm produce. Even after paying, there’s no guarantee we can farm or move freely,” a resident said.