Residents of Southern Maska in Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State have expressed growing concern over worsening insecurity, despite earlier peace deals reportedly reached with armed bandit groups.
Community members say fear has returned to many villages as bandits continue to carry out attacks, issue threats, and demand payments described locally as haraji (levies). Daily activities have been disrupted, with many residents living in constant anxiety.
Several communities across the area have been affected, including Unguwar Mailaya, Asharaha, Burma, Gobirawa, Gwangwari, Dan Tudu, Tudun Maje, Kurku, Ganwai, Yar Tasha, Gursudu, Batarawa, Gidan Alhaji Koshe, Dan Kunsai, Hayin Gishiri, Unguwar Dini, Gidan Soda, Yambu, and nearby settlements.
Locals report repeated incidents involving killings, kidnappings, and large-scale theft of livestock and other valuables, prompting some families to flee their homes. A resident disclosed that gunmen recently attempted to attack Unguwar Mailaya but were repelled by locals, before moving to Kauran Fawa in Dandume Local Government Area, where several people were reportedly killed.
Villagers also claim the attackers now make direct phone calls to threaten communities or demand payments, a development they say highlights the lack of adequate security presence in the region.
Residents are urging the Katsina State government and security agencies to deploy more security personnel to protect lives and property, warning that the situation could worsen if urgent action is not taken.
The resurgence of violence has raised doubts about the effectiveness of the peace agreements previously negotiated with bandit groups, with community members questioning why the deals failed to bring lasting peace to Southern Maska and surrounding areas.
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