Bandits flee as Katsina community fights back after killings

Bandits, who invaded Dansarai, a farming community in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, got more than they bargained for, on Tuesday, as the villagers put up resistance.

Residents told Daily Trust that the attackers stormed the community on motorcycles, wielding sophisticated weapons, including AK-47 rifles.

They were said to have opened fire indiscriminately on villagers, killing four persons in the process.

“They were shooting sporadically as they entered the village. Four of our people were killed instantly,” an eyewitness said.

Angered by the killings and destruction, residents of Dansarai, supported by local vigilantes, mobilised and fought back against the assailants.

Another resident said the villagers succeeded in repelling the attackers, killing four of the bandits in the process and forcing others to flee.

“Our people stood up to defend themselves. In the confrontation, four of the bandits were neutralised, and the rest were forced to flee,” the resident said. “They also abandoned their plan to rustle livestock and loot shops and homes.”

The attack also left eight residents with varying degrees of injuries. A community source said the victims were rushed to nearby health facilities and are currently receiving treatment.

“Some sustained gunshot wounds, while others were injured in the chaos, but they are responding to treatment,” the source added.

Residents alleged that repeated distress calls were made to security agencies during the attack, but no personnel arrived before the bandits escaped.

“We kept calling for help, but nobody came. We were left to face the situation on our own,” a community leader lamented.

Following the incident, residents of Dansarai and neighbouring communities appealed to both the state and federal governments to deploy more security operatives to the eastern axis of Malumfashi, describing the area as increasingly vulnerable to criminal attacks.

“This area has become a soft target for bandits. We need a permanent security presence to protect our lives and livelihoods,” another resident said.

Daily Trust reports that the eastern part of Malumfashi Local Government Area remains one of the areas hardest hit by banditry in the Funtua zone, which comprises 11 local government areas in Katsina State.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Sadiq Aliyu, said he would verify the incident and respond. However, as of the time of filing this report, no official response had been received. (Daily Trust)