Residents of Gidan Mai Jimina and Garangozai communities in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State are living in fear following fresh threats from suspected bandits who have imposed a ₦5 million levy alongside a demand for a motorcycle.
The development comes shortly after the abduction of the village head of Gidan Mai Jimina, Malam Habibu, who was reportedly released after the assailants collected a motorcycle and ₦100,000 ransom.
Sources within the communities revealed that the gunmen proceeded to Garangozai, where they kidnapped another village head, identified as Malam Sule.
As of Tuesday morning, the armed group was said to have regrouped and stationed themselves along key routes linking Gidan Tulluwa, Gangaren Rafi, and Gindin Mangwarori, issuing fresh threats to residents.
Villagers disclosed that the attackers have given a strict deadline, ordering the communities to deliver ₦5 million and a new motorcycle before 2 p.m., warning of severe consequences if their demands are not met.
The situation has sparked widespread panic, with many residents uncertain about their safety as the deadline approaches. Some locals fear the threats could escalate into more abductions or violent attacks.
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Findings indicate that such extortion tactics and mass abductions have become increasingly common across parts of Katsina State, reflecting a troubling pattern of organized criminal activity in the North-West region.
A security analyst, Bakastine, reacting to the development, questioned the persistence of attacks on rural communities and called for urgent intervention.
He noted that banditry in the region is largely fueled by socio-economic challenges, including poverty, weakened rural economies, poor governance, and the proliferation of arms.
According to him, many individuals are drawn into banditry for survival, financial gain, or protection, while the activities of these groups are sustained by forest hideouts, informant networks, ransom payments, and continuous recruitment of vulnerable youths.
Despite ongoing military operations, bandits are said to retain significant control in several rural areas, deepening fears among residents, particularly farmers.
Farmers in the affected communities have warned that the persistent insecurity could disrupt farming activities, reduce crop yields, and pose a serious threat to food security if decisive action is not taken.
They have called on both state and federal authorities to strengthen security presence, restore public confidence, and safeguard lives and livelihoods across the region.
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