Bandits Threaten Katsina Communities with Attack Unless 700 Cows, 1,000 Sheep are Provided

Inhabitants of three communities within the Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State are facing severe distress following a demand for a large number of livestock by bandits. The criminal group has stipulated that 700 cows and 1,000 sheep must be delivered to avert violent attacks.

The ultimatum was delivered through letters to the Rimaye and Sukunturi communities on April 6, with a deadline set for Friday, April 10. This demand has sent ripples of fear through the area.

A resident from the Kankia area, Malam Ahmadu Kankia, confirmed that the threatening letters have created significant apprehension, leading to the evacuation of residents from Kunduru, Sukunturi, Tsa, and Magam villages. He stated, “Separate letters were delivered to Rimaye and Sukunturi, but the content was the same. They demanded that the communities provide 700 cows and 1,000 sheep within four days. People became scared and began moving out. As I speak, these communities are currently deserted; everyone has left.”

Usman Dada, another local, mentioned that the letters were written in English. He added that community members have collectively decided to seek refuge in safer locations, primarily within Kankia, due to the escalating fear of banditry.

Reports indicate that in the days preceding the deadline, some villagers ventured back in small groups to retrieve their remaining livestock from the abandoned settlements. This was driven by the knowledge that bandit attacks typically occur either very early in the morning or late in the evening.

“They went in groups and packed their remaining livestock, which they brought to the market to sell. Their villages are now empty, and no one is willing to return for now,” a source from the community shared.

This alarming development occurs at a time when banditry and other security challenges appear to be on the rise in the state, despite a period of relative calm that followed an earlier peace agreement.

The resurgence of these attacks has sparked considerable concern, prompting the state government to convene an urgent security meeting with relevant stakeholders.