Katsina villagers protest as bandit alert sparks panic

DDM News

Residents of Kwantamawa and Kudewa in Katsina State’s Kurfi Local Government Area have risen in protest following fresh bandit threats that left entire communities in terror.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the unrest began after a young boy ran into the village shouting that bandits were approaching, triggering chaos and widespread fear among residents already battered by years of insecurity.

Eyewitnesses say villagers immediately fled, and by midday, angry residents blocked the Dutsinma-Katsina highway at Tashar Barau in protest.

They set tires on fire, brought traffic to a halt, and demanded urgent government action to stop the endless attacks.

The protesters, mostly women, youth, and elders, chanted slogans condemning the government’s silence and accusing security forces of negligence in the face of daily abductions, killings, and extortion by criminal gangs.

News Central TV correspondent Rukayyah Jibia, who was on the ground during the incident, described the fear as “palpable.” She narrated how panic began after a child rushed in warning about an impending raid.

“I was still in the village when a boy ran to us and said, ‘Bandits are coming,’” Jibia said.

“Immediately, people began to scatter and run into the bush.”

Many residents say they no longer sleep in their homes and spend their nights hiding in forests and bushes, fearing late-night invasions.

Several families have been forced to relocate entirely, abandoning homes, farms, and belongings.

Locals accuse the government of ignoring repeated calls for help, even as the region descends into lawlessness.

Community leaders said there’s little trust left in authorities who have failed to deploy adequate security or respond meaningfully to repeated massacres.

“They only come after people die. We are tired. The government must act now or we will be forced to defend ourselves,” said one protester, who declined to be named.

The protesters warned that their tolerance has reached its breaking point and vowed to escalate demonstrations if no military presence or rescue operations are initiated soon.

Security agencies are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

The protest comes amid rising reports of similar attacks across Nigeria’s northwest, where banditry has displaced thousands and turned once-thriving communities into ghost towns.

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