Residents of Southern Maska communities in Funtua Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State have raised fresh alarms over worsening insecurity, despite reported peace agreements between local stakeholders and armed bandit groups.
The development was highlighted on X by Bakatsine, a journalist who covers conflict and crises in northwest Nigeria. According to the report, communities continue to experience attacks, threats, and demands for levies, leaving residents afraid and unable to go about their daily activities safely.
Affected villages include 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, and Yambu, among others.
Sources said the villages have suffered repeated incidents of killings, kidnappings, and theft of property. Residents reported that gunmen recently attempted to attack Unguwar Mailaya but were repelled by locals. The attackers later moved to Kauran Fawa in Dandume LGA, where at least eight people were reportedly killed.
Community members also claimed that bandits now contact villagers directly by phone to issue threats or demand payments described as “haraji” (levies), a situation attributed to an insufficient security presence in the area.
Residents have called on the government and security agencies to urgently deploy personnel to protect lives and property and to sustain efforts to restore peace.
The renewed attacks have raised questions about the effectiveness of peace agreements reportedly reached between Funtua LGA stakeholders and bandit groups, as violence continues to plague these communities.
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