Residents of Gidan Mai Jimina and Garangozai communities in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State are gripped by fear after suspected bandits imposed a N5 million levy and demanded a motorcycle, threatening severe consequences if their demands are not met.
DAILY POST gathered that the latest development comes hours after the attackers on Monday abducted the village head of Gidan Mai Jimina, Malam Habibu, but later released him after receiving a motorcycle and N100,000.
The gunmen subsequently moved to Garangozai community, where they reportedly kidnapped another village head, Malam Sule.
As of Tuesday morning, residents disclosed that the bandits had returned and were camped along routes linking Gidan Tulluwa, Gangaren Rafi, and Gindin Mangwarori, heavily armed and issuing fresh threats.
According to villagers, the armed men have ordered residents of the affected communities to provide N5 million and a new motorcycle before 2 p.m. on Tuesday, warning that failure to comply would attract dire consequences.
The situation has triggered widespread panic, with many residents expressing fears for their safety and uncertainty over what may happen if the demands are not met.
Findings indicate that similar levies and mass abductions have been reported across parts of the state, highlighting a recurring pattern of extortion by armed groups in the North-West.
Security analyst and crisis journalist, Bakastine, who disclosed the development in a post on his X handle, questioned the continued attacks on rural communities.
“How many more innocent lives must be lost before decisive action is finally taken?” He asked, urging authorities to prioritise proactive security measures and timely protection for vulnerable populations.
He further noted that banditry in the North-West is largely driven by socio-economic factors rather than ideology.
“In the North-West region, banditry is driven less by ideology and more by poverty, collapsed rural livelihoods, weak governance, revenge cycles, cattle rustling economies, and easy access to arms.
Many join for survival, protection, or profit. Their resilience is sustained by forest hideouts, local informants, ransom payments, and continuous recruitment of youths,” he said.
Despite ongoing security operations in parts of Katsina State, the bandits are said to maintain dominance in several rural areas, worsening fears among residents, particularly farmers.
Farmers in the affected communities warned that continued insecurity could severely disrupt agricultural activities, threaten crop production, and undermine food security if urgent action is not taken.
They called on both the state and federal governments to intensify security efforts to restore confidence and protect lives and livelihoods across the region.