Violence erupted in Katsina State as security personnel allegedly shot and killed two protesters during demonstrations against persistent bandit attacks in Malumfashi Local Government Area.
Communities Rise in Protest
Angry youths from Danjanku, Dantashi, and Dayi communities blocked the crucial Funtua-Katsina highway on Tuesday morning following another deadly bandit invasion. The protest was triggered by Monday night's attack that left one person dead and seventeen others abducted from Danjanku community.
According to eyewitness accounts, the bandits scaled fences around midnight to enter homes, kidnapping residents and killing one individual. This marked the third such attack in less than one week, bringing the total number of abductions in the affected areas to over thirty people.
Peace Deal Collapses Completely
Residents expressed deep frustration over the continued attacks despite an existing peace agreement between the government and the criminals. The Village Head of Danjanku, Tanimu Almakiyayi, confirmed the latest incident, stating: "They came last night, killed one of our people, and abducted several others. We are living in fear here."
Local residents revealed that bandits continue to impose taxes on farming activities, creating unbearable living conditions. "They still tax us to harvest our farm produce. Even after paying, there's no guarantee we can farm or move freely," one resident lamented.
Protest Turns Deadly
What began as a peaceful demonstration turned violent when security forces arrived to disperse the crowd. Two protesters were killed and two others injured during the confrontation, according to multiple witness accounts.
"The bandits attacked two days ago, abducted people, and returned last night. That's why the youths protested. Instead of calming the situation, the soldiers started shooting," another resident explained.
The protest gained momentum as residents from Dantashi and Dayi communities joined in solidarity, blocking roads and burning tires to express their anger over the worsening security situation.
Broader Security Concerns
In a related development, another attack occurred behind the Bakori Local Government Secretariat at a Fulani settlement. Security sources confirmed that one policeman was killed and two others wounded during the confrontation, while approximately nine suspected bandits were neutralized.
The incident also resulted in the rustling of unspecified numbers of animals. A combined team of military, police, and vigilante groups responded to the attackers.
Calm was eventually restored in Malumfashi following intervention by traditional rulers and community elders. However, residents continue to accuse both the state government and security agencies of abandoning them, claiming the peace agreement has completely failed to protect rural communities.
Attempts to reach the Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer for official comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
