Residents of communities in Southern Maska, Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State, have raised fresh concerns over worsening insecurity despite reported peace agreements between local stakeholders and armed bandit groups.
The development was disclosed in a post on X on Saturday by Bakatsine, a conflict and crisis journalist who reports on insecurity in Nigeria’s northwest.
According to the report, communities in the area continue to experience attacks, threats and demands for levies, leaving residents in fear and unable to go about their daily activities safely.
Affected communities 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, Yambu and others.
Sources said the villages have suffered repeated incidents involving killings, kidnappings and theft of property.
They added that gunmen recently attempted to attack Unguwar Mailaya but were repelled by residents.
The attackers were said to have later moved to Kauran Fawa in Dandume Local Government Area, where at least eight people were reportedly killed.
Residents also alleged that bandits now contact villagers directly by phone to issue threats or demand payments described as “haraji” (levies), a situation they attribute to inadequate security presence in the area.
Community members have called on the government and security agencies to urgently deploy personnel to protect lives and property, while also appealing for sustained efforts to restore peace.
The renewed attacks have raised questions about the effectiveness and credibility of the peace agreements reportedly reached between Funtua LGA stakeholders and bandit groups, as violence continues in the affected communities.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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