At least 15 villages in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State have reportedly been deserted as renewed attacks by bandits continue to force residents from their homes and farmlands.
Residents said the security situation has also deteriorated in parts of Funtua, Dandume and Bakori Local Government Areas, particularly communities in the southern part of the state.
The attacks have reportedly created widespread fear, restricted movement and disrupted farming and other economic activities, with residents increasingly reluctant to travel between communities.
A resident of Funtua said bandits had recently attacked parts of the town despite the presence of security personnel. He alleged that the attackers invaded the area around Unity Bank, seized cattle and escaped.
According to him, security personnel later engaged the bandits in a gun battle in the MTD area when they attempted to seize more cattle. One suspected bandit was reportedly arrested during the encounter.
He added that another confrontation occurred in Unguwar Shanu, where security personnel exchanged gunfire with the attackers before forcing them to retreat. He claimed one bandit and a civilian were killed.
In Bakori, residents of communities including Kakumi, Sabon Layi, Gidan Jaura and Garanguzai also expressed concern over continued attacks.
One resident alleged that bandits frequently attack people travelling between communities, with some victims being shot, abducted or dispossessed of their motorcycles.
He said two residents were recently abducted and remained in captivity.
Meanwhile, a Dandume resident alleged that bandits had carried out attacks almost daily over the previous two weeks, targeting residents, livestock, farms and homes.
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He claimed that more than 100 people had been abducted during the period, although the figure could not be independently verified.
The repeated attacks have reportedly forced residents of about 15 villages to flee to safer locations, leaving the communities largely deserted.
The residents appealed to the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to restore peace and enable displaced residents to safely return to their homes and farms.
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