Bandits Kill Seven Villagers In Katsina Community After Troop Withdrawal Claims

Bandits have killed seven villagers in Sayaya, Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, according to reports by Daily Trust and Premium Times.

The attack happened in the early hours of Thursday after armed men entered the community and opened fire, forcing residents to flee. Both outlets reported that the victims included farmers and traders who had hoped to return to normal life after weeks of relative calm.

Premium Times reported that the dead included Lawal Chiki, Abdullahi Mustapha, Yalili Mai Ruwa, Isau Maharba, Salma Tasi’u and Ibrahim Uncle, while the identity of the seventh victim had not been confirmed. The outlet said one of the victims was a woman.

Residents who spoke to Daily Trust alleged that the attack came shortly after troops deployed to Matazu and nearby communities were withdrawn. Premium Times also reported the same claim, but noted that it could not independently verify the allegation.

The latest attack comes weeks after the Katsina State Government introduced emergency security measures in Matazu and Musawa LGAs following repeated bandit attacks and abductions. The measures included restrictions on petrol sales in jerrycans, motorcycle movement, phone charging businesses and point-of-sale operations.

Premium Times linked the restrictions to the abduction of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife along the Marabar Musawa-Kafinsoli road in May. Rabe later died in captivity, while his wife was rescued.

Residents also alleged that the Sayaya attack was led by a bandit identified as Kachallah Fulani Muhammad. Premium Times said it could not independently verify that claim.

Daily Trust reported that mourners gathered in Matazu to bury the victims according to Islamic rites, while many families had fled Sayaya for safer communities over fears of another attack.

Sources: Daily Trust, Premium Times