Bandits on Rampage Across Katsina Villages, Lawmaker Seeks Urgent Intervention
The Chief Whip of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Ibrahim Umar Dikko, representing Matazu constituency, broke down in tears on the floor of the House while appealing for urgent intervention over worsening insecurity in his area.
Dikko revealed that bandits have seized control of eight out of ten wards in Matazu Local Government Area, leaving residents in fear and farmers unable to access their farmlands.
“Out of the ten wards, eight are under siege. Farmers cannot go to their farms. Just yesterday, near the secondary school by the town’s entrance, a young man was killed and four sets of oxen used for ploughing were rustled,” he said amid tears.
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The lawmaker further disclosed that at least 12 farmers were killed in the past two days while tending their farms. “Yesterday, five farmers were murdered on their farms. A day before, seven others were killed. Wallahi, the farms are inaccessible anymore. Mr. Speaker, we are in dire need of help,” he cried.
Katsina State has remained a hotspot for banditry in the North-West, with repeated attacks on villages, targeting farmers, traders, and rural dwellers. The raids have caused loss of lives, destruction of property, and mass displacement, disrupting agricultural and economic activities, and worsening food insecurity.
Despite ongoing military operations and security reinforcements, the bandits continue to use forests as hideouts to launch fresh attacks. Residents argue that while current measures bring temporary relief, a sustained and coordinated strategy is needed, including intelligence-driven operations, community engagement, and socio-economic interventions to tackle the root causes of insecurity.
By PRNigeria
