Over 5,000 residents from various communities have sought refuge in Bakori town, the administrative headquarters of Bakori Local Government Area (LGA) in Katsina State, following a recent wave of violent attacks by armed bandits. These attacks, which have become a recurring nightmare for locals, have left a trail of death, destruction, and displacement in several parts of the region.
According to local sources, the bandits have been targeting over ten communities in Bakori and Faskari LGAs, carrying out mass abductions, killings, and cattle rustling. Despite intensified security measures, the violence continues unabated, leaving many in constant fear.
“The situation is unbearable. Villages like Guga, Anguwar Danmarka, and Gidan Sule have seen some of the worst atrocities,” said Yusuf Usman, a resident of Doma village. “More than 250 people have died, and the attacks show no sign of stopping.”
In the early hours of Wednesday, armed gunmen stormed Dutsinma LGA, abducting five individuals, including a local businessman, Alhaji Babangida Maigoro. Community members managed to rescue two of the victims, and one of the attackers was killed during the confrontation. This attack is part of a series of violent incidents that have plagued Dutsinma, a community that also houses a federal university.
A History of Violence and Suffering
The relentless assault on these communities has been ongoing for years, with residents recounting tales of violence, abductions, and brutal killings. In 2022, Guga village in Bakori LGA suffered the loss of eight lives, with several others kidnapped, including the village head. A similar attack in 2023 saw over 40 people killed in clashes between bandits and vigilantes.
“The bandits burn our homes, kill our loved ones, and kidnap anyone they can,” lamented Murja Sufyan, a survivor from Anguwar Galadima, who fled to Bakori town in July 2025. “They took over 20 people from my village, including women and children.”
The attacks have become so frequent that entire villages are now deserted. Survivors, like Imrana Shafi’u from Anguwar Dan Marka, are left with physical and emotional scars. “I was shot twice and left for dead,” said Shafi’u, now walking with crutches. “They killed all my friends.”
In some cases, mourners have been forced to abandon their dead. “We were burying victims of an attack when the bandits returned and chased us away, leaving the bodies behind,” said a grieving mother from Anguwar Dan Marka.
Displaced Persons in Dire Need
The humanitarian crisis in Bakori town has worsened as thousands of displaced individuals flood the area. Many have taken shelter with relatives or in local schools, but the resources are dwindling. Kabir Mamman Yaro Bakori, Chairman of the Emergency Contact Committee on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), revealed that the number of displaced persons continues to rise, with many of them coming from the neighbouring Faskari and Kankara LGAs.
Local government efforts to provide food and shelter are ongoing, but Bakori Chairman Abubakar Musa Barde is calling for urgent assistance from the state and federal governments. “The situation is becoming critical,” Barde said. “We need more relief materials and humanitarian support to avoid further suffering.”
Government and NGO Responses
Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, addressed the growing security concerns, highlighting the state’s ongoing efforts to combat banditry. “While we acknowledge the challenges, notable improvements have been made in many areas,” Muazu stated. “Some LGAs are now largely free from bandit attacks, thanks to enhanced security measures.”
However, the state government has also been dealing with a flood of misinformation. Muazu called for citizens to avoid spreading unverified reports, urging people to remain calm as the authorities continue their efforts to tackle the issue.
Meanwhile, the NGO Grassroots Advocates for Peace, Development, and Equity in Nigeria has called for Bakori LGA to be declared a high-risk security zone. The group has urged the federal government to deploy military and police tactical teams, as well as aerial surveillance, to mitigate the ongoing violence and restore safety in the region.
Calls for Urgent Intervention
As the violence in Katsina escalates, community leaders are desperately calling for greater government intervention. “We have lost everything – our homes, our families, and our livelihoods,” said a farmer from Sabuwa Local Government Area, whose crops were destroyed during the attacks. “We need the government to help us return to our farms and restore peace to our communities.”
Conclusion: The Need for Swift Action
The situation in Katsina is dire, with lives torn apart by the ongoing violence. While security forces and local vigilantes continue their efforts, the scale of the destruction and displacement calls for immediate and sustained intervention. As the number of displaced persons grows, both local and national authorities must act quickly to provide relief, restore security, and ensure that those affected can return to their homes and livelihoods.