Terro bandits have killed seven civilians, including a woman, in a fresh attack on Sayaya community in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
This medium understand that the attack, which occurred in the wee hours of Thursday, has thrown the community into mourning and renewed fears.
Residents said they had only recently started to enjoy relative peace following the deployment of security personnel to the area.
Locals said the terrorists stormed the community before dawn, shooting indiscriminately and causing panic as people fled their homes to escape the violence.
“We were asleep when we heard heavy gunshots,” a resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said.
“People were screaming, children were crying, and everyone was running in different directions. By the time the gunmen left, seven of our people were lying lifeless.”
Community members said those killed included farmers and traders who had been trying to rebuild their lives after weeks of calm.
Also, residents alleged that the attackers were led by a notorious bandit kingpin identified as Kachallah Fulani Muhammad, whom they accused of masterminding several attacks and abductions in Matazu and neighbouring communities.
“This is the same man who has terrorised our villages for years,”he is the one who abducted major General Rabe Abubakar Batsari RTD and his wife,another resident said. “Anytime we hear his name, we know trouble is coming.”Alaramma jibrin mentioned.
Residents further linked the latest attack to the withdrawal of troops deployed under Operation Fansan Yamma, claiming the criminals returned shortly after security personnel left the area.
“When the soldiers were here, we could sleep with our eyes closed,” a community elder said. “But once they left, the bandits came back with more anger. It feels like we have been abandoned.”
According to residents, insecurity has spread beyond Sayaya, with the same group allegedly operating freely along major roads in the area.
They claimed the bandits recently blocked the Karaduwa–Rimaye road in broad daylight, where travellers were reportedly abducted and assaulted.
“They stopped vehicles on the road as if it was their territory,” a commuter recounted. “People were beaten, some were taken away, and nobody could help.”says Sulaiman Sale Sayaya.
The attack has sparked grief across Matazu as residents gathered to bury the victims in line with Islamic traditions.
“This is not just a tragedy for Sayaya; it is a tragedy for the entire local government,” a community leader said. “We have lost innocent lives, and this pain will remain with us for a long time.”
Many residents have reportedly fled the community over fears of further attacks, relocating to Matazu town and neighbouring settlements.
“We cannot stay and wait to be killed,” a displaced woman said while relocating her children. “At least in town, we can sleep without hearing gunshots.”
