Bandit attacks force 15 Katsina villages into abandonment
At least 15 villages in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State have reportedly been deserted as repeated bandit attacks drive residents away from their communities.
Residents told BBC that insecurity has also intensified in Funtua, Dandume and Bakori LGAs, particularly in southern Katsina, with the attacks disrupting movement, farming and other economic activities.
A resident of Funtua said bandits have begun operating in parts of the town despite the presence of security personnel. He alleged that the criminals recently raided the Unity Bank area, seized cattle and escaped.
The resident also said security forces engaged the attackers during separate confrontations in the MTD and Unguwar Shanu areas. One suspected bandit was reportedly arrested and another killed, while a civilian also lost his life.
In Bakori, residents of communities including Kakumi, Sabon Layi, Gidan Jaura and Garanguzai said travelling between settlements had become increasingly risky. One resident claimed that two people were abducted last Friday, while several others remain in captivity.
Meanwhile, a Dandume resident alleged that bandits have attacked the area almost every day for the past two weeks, abducting residents, killing people and driving farmers away from their homes and farmlands.
He further claimed that more than 100 people were abducted in the area within two weeks, with many still being held despite ransom payments and other demands being met in some cases.
The BBC reported that continued attacks have forced residents of several communities to flee to safer locations, leaving some villages completely deserted.
Residents are calling on the government to strengthen security, saying their priority is to regain access to their farms and return to their homes without fear of attacks.
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