Bandits attacked Hayin Kwanta village in Sukuntuni Ward of Kankia Local Government Area, Katsina State, on Sunday night, injuring two people and stealing livestock. The attackers arrived on motorcycles around sunset, firing shots and creating panic among residents. Many villagers fled into nearby bushes to avoid being harmed. The injured were identified as Abashe and his son, both of whom sustained gunshot wounds while escaping. They were taken to a hospital in Katsina metropolis, where they are receiving treatment.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen roamed the village for hours without facing resistance from security forces. Despite multiple distress calls to authorities, no immediate response was made. A resident, speaking anonymously due to fear of reprisal, described how the bandits moved freely, herding animals and shooting into the air before leaving. "We kept calling for help, but nobody came on time. People ran into the bush with their children while the bandits continued operating. They took away many animals and left the entire village terrified," the resident said.
The exact number of stolen animals was not confirmed, but locals reported losses of cattle, goats, and sheep. The Katsina State Government has previously launched the Community Security Watch Corps and partnered with local vigilante groups to support security agencies. However, residents in southern Kankia say attacks have persisted in recent months. Hayin Kwanta and nearby communities in Sukuntuni Ward have remained exposed to such raids for over two years. Villagers have repeatedly expressed concerns about insufficient security presence.
Community leaders are urging the federal and state governments to deploy more security personnel and set up permanent outposts in vulnerable areas. They also demand improved surveillance and faster response systems to distress calls. DSP Sadiq Aliyu, spokesperson for the Katsina State Police Command, said police and other security agencies are pursuing the attackers with the aim of arresting and prosecuting them.
The same state government that formed the Community Security Watch Corps now watches as bandits operate for hours in Kankia without intervention. Residents who fled into bushes with children were ignored despite repeated calls for help. If the system works, it is not working for Hayin Kwanta. Abashe and his son were shot trying to escape while authorities waited.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
