Bandits Kill Seven in Fresh Katsina Attack, Residents Fear Return of Insecurity

By Taibat Ummi Yakubu 

Fresh fears have gripped residents of Katsina State after armed bandits launched a deadly attack on Sayaya village in Matazu Local Government Area, killing at least seven people and casting doubt on recent security gains recorded through intensified military operations.

The attackers, said to have arrived in large numbers during the early hours of Thursday, reportedly stormed the community and opened fire indiscriminately, sending terrified residents fleeing for safety.

Witnesses said the gunmen invaded the village while most residents were asleep, creating panic as gunshots echoed through the area.

“We woke up to the sound of heavy gunfire. People were screaming and running for their lives,” a resident told Daily Trust on condition of anonymity. “By the time the attackers left, seven people had been killed.”

Among those reportedly killed were Lawal Chiki, Abdullahi Mustapha, Yalili Mai Ruwa, Isau Maharba, Salma Tasi’u and Ibrahim Uncle, a mentally challenged resident. The identity of the seventh victim had yet to be confirmed as of the time of filing this report.

Residents said many of the victims were farmers and traders who had recently resumed normal activities following weeks of relative calm brought about by the deployment of security personnel to the area.

The latest bloodshed comes just weeks after the Katsina State Government imposed emergency security measures in Matazu and neighbouring Musawa Local Government Area to curb escalating banditry and kidnappings.

The restrictions included a ban on motorcycle operations, Point-of-Sale (POS) services, phone charging businesses, and the sale or transportation of petrol in jerrycans.

The measures followed the abduction of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar and his wife along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli road in May. The retired army officer later died in captivity, prompting renewed military offensives, including Operation Clean Sweep III under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, targeting suspected bandit hideouts in the region.

Residents alleged that Thursday’s attack was masterminded by a notorious bandit leader identified as Kachallah Fulani Muhammad, whom they accused of being behind several deadly raids and kidnappings in Matazu and surrounding communities.

A local resident, Alaramma Jibrin, claimed the same bandit leader was involved in the abduction of the late retired general and his wife. However, the allegation could not be independently verified.

Community members also linked the renewed violence to the alleged withdrawal of troops deployed under Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

“When the soldiers were here, we felt safer and could sleep peacefully,” an elder in the community said. “But after they left, the bandits returned with renewed aggression.”

Another resident, Sulaiman Sale, alleged that the same armed group recently blocked the Karaduwa–Rimaye road, abducting travellers and attacking motorists in broad daylight. The claim also remains unverified.

The attack has triggered fresh displacement, with many families reportedly fleeing Sayaya and neighbouring settlements over fears of further violence.

As mourners gathered to bury the victims according to Islamic rites, displaced residents lamented the worsening security situation.

“We cannot remain here and wait to be killed,” one woman said as she relocated with her children to a safer community.

Reacting to the incident, the spokesperson of the Katsina State Police Command, Abubakar Aliyu, said authorities were still verifying reports of the attack and promised to provide updates after investigations.

The latest tragedy highlights the persistent security challenges confronting rural communities in Katsina State despite ongoing military operations against armed groups. Residents have continued to demand sustained security presence and long-term strategies to restore peace and allow displaced families to return to their homes.