Residents of a farming community in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State fought back against armed bandits, killing four of them during a confrontation that forced the attackers to flee. The incident occurred after bandits invaded the community on motorcycles, wielding sophisticated weapons including AK-47 rifles, and opened fire indiscriminately on villagers, killing four people.
Villagers and vigilantes mobilise against bandits
Angry residents, supported by local vigilantes, mobilised and fought back against the bandits. A resident said the villagers killed four bandits in the process while forcing others to flee. “Our people stood up to defend themselves. In the confrontation, four of the bandits were neutralised, and the rest were forced to flee. They also abandoned their plan to rustle livestock and loot shops and homes,” the resident said.
The attack left eight residents with varying degrees of injury. A community source said at least eight residents are currently receiving treatment at nearby health facilities. “Some sustained gunshot wounds, while others were injured in the chaos, but they are responding to treatment,” the source added.
Delayed response from security agencies
According to residents, they made repeated distress calls to security agencies during the attack, but no personnel arrived before the bandits escaped. A community leader lamented: “We kept calling for help, but nobody came. We were left to face the situation on our own.”
Residents of Dansarai and neighbouring communities said the eastern axis of Malumfashi is increasingly vulnerable to criminal attacks. They appealed to both the state and federal governments to deploy more security operatives to the area. “This area has become a soft target for bandits. We need a permanent security presence to protect our lives and livelihoods,” a community leader said.
Banditry in Katsina’s eastern axis
The eastern axis, comprising 11 local government areas in Katsina State, remains one of the hardest-hit areas by banditry in the Funtua zone. The state police public relations officer, Sadiq Aliyu, is yet to verify the incident as of the time of filing this report.
In a related incident, suspected bandits attacked Illela Dawagware village in Sokoto State, killing an imam and three other residents before abducting 12 people. Residents alleged that security personnel failed to respond to repeated distress calls despite offers to provide fuel to reinforce them. Survivors said many villagers decided to spend their nights at the Goronyo IDP camp following renewed fears of another attack.
Bandit attacks in Niger State
Armed bandits also attacked Pissa village in Niger State, resulting in three deaths and destroying homes across the community. The military engaged the bandits during the Saturday morning assault, but details remain unclear. The state police confirmed the terrorist activity while urging community vigilance and safety measures.
