Residents of communities in Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State have fled their homes after suspected bandits issued a six-day ultimatum demanding 700 cattle and 1,000 sheep to prevent an attack.
The threat, contained in a letter delivered on April 6, gave residents of Sukuntuni, Unguwar Tsamiya, Magama, Walawa, and Tudun Wulli until Friday, April 10, to comply or face violent consequences.
The ultimatum has sparked widespread panic across the affected villages, where armed bandits are reportedly moving openly on motorcycles.
A resident, who spoke anonymously, said the demand followed months of harassment, kidnappings, and intimidation by criminal gangs operating in the area.
According to the source, a notorious bandit leader had earlier relocated large numbers of rustled livestock after falling out with his associates, before imposing what residents described as a forced “tax” on the communities.
“The situation has forced many people to flee. Some have gone to Rimaye, others to Kano State, while some relocated to Katsina town. About 10 villages have already been deserted,” the resident said.
Despite previous attempts by locals to negotiate with the armed groups, residents say such arrangements only brought temporary relief and failed to stop recurring attacks.
Reacting to the development, the Director General, Media and Publicity to the Katsina State Governor, Malam Maiwada Dan-Mallam, urged residents to remain calm, saying authorities are investigating the threat from the bandits.
“The letter has not been officially acknowledged by any authority. It may have been written to create panic, but government is working tirelessly to protect lives and property across the state,” he said.
However, fear remains high in the affected communities, with many displaced families uncertain about when it will be safe to return home.
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