Bandits demand 700 cattle, 1,000 sheep from Katsina communities, trigger mass exodus
Residents of several communities in Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State have been thrown into panic following a threat by suspected bandits demanding the delivery of 700 cattle and 1,000 sheep within six days.
Residents of several communities in Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State have been thrown into panic following a threat by suspected bandits demanding the delivery of 700 cattle and 1,000 sheep within six days.
The ultimatum, reportedly conveyed through a letter sent to affected villages Thursday, has forced many residents to flee their homes over fears of imminent attacks.
A resident of the area who spoke on Saturday, said the demand followed prolonged harassment by the bandits, including kidnapping for ransom.
According to him, a notorious bandit leader identified as Muhammadu allegedly mobilised about 200 motorcycles and moved with approximately 1,700 rustled animals to Rimaye town after a dispute with his associates.
According to him, “Two days later, he demanded that we provide the same number of animals as tax. He also sent a letter to Sukuntuni, insisting the demand must be met within six days or the entire town would be attacked,” the resident said.
He noted that the threat has heightened fear across several communities, including Sukuntuni, Unguwar Tsamiya, Magama, Walawa and Tudun Wulli, where residents have reportedly witnessed large groups of armed bandits moving freely on motorcycles.
“The situation has forced people to flee. Some have relocated to some areas such as Rimaye, others to parts of Kano State, while some moved to Katsina town. As we speak about 10 villages are now deserted,” he said.
The resident also recalled a previous attack in Sayaya, where bandits burnt a hospital, killed a policeman, residents, and destroyed vehicles, further deepening fears that the latest threat could be carried out.
Meanwhile, concerns are growing over the effectiveness of ongoing negotiations between communities and bandits. Some residents noted that earlier peace agreements had brought temporary relief, but recent developments suggest a resurgence of violence.
Abdurrahman Abdullahi Dutsinma, Chairman Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Katsina State while speaking with some journalists on Friday, blamed the worsening situation on what he described as the government’s failure to decisively tackle insecurity.
“All this is happening because of the government’s inability to fight insecurity. If nothing is done, this will continue indefinitely,” he said, adding that recent attacks indicate that negotiations are no longer yielding results.
However, the Katsina State Government has urged caution, stating that the alleged threat letter has not been officially verified.
Maiwada Dammalla, Director Media to the State Government, said authorities are investigating the matter and warned that the letter could be the handiwork of individuals seeking to incite panic. “The letter has not been officially acknowledged by any authority. It could have been written to create fear among the people. The government is working tirelessly to protect lives and property”.
Despite these assurances, tension remains high across the affected communities, with many residents unwilling to return home amid uncertainty over their safety.
