Residents who fled their homes following renewed bandit attacks in parts of Bakori, Funtua, Faskari and Dandume local government areas of Katsina State have largely taken refuge in nearby towns and major cities, as security agencies and community leaders intensify efforts to restore peace across the affected communities.
Investigations by LEADERSHIP WEEDEND revealed that rather than gathering in formal displacement camps, many of the displaced families are now living with relatives and well-wishers in Dandume town, Funtua, Yan-Kara, Mairuwa, Katsina, Zaria and Kano. The movement has been scattered, making it difficult to determine the exact number of people displaced.
A community leader, Comrade Abubakar Aliyu, said the victims sought safety wherever they had family ties after attacks forced them to abandon their ancestral homes.
“The displaced people are not in one place. Many settled in Dandume town, Funtua, Zaria, Kano and Katsina, while others moved to Yan-Kara and Mairuwa,” he said.
He explained that the security situation had improved considerably in Faskari following peace negotiations involving the local government council, community leaders and Fulani stakeholders. According to him, residents have gradually resumed farming and commercial activities, while some kidnapped victims have regained their freedom from captivity.
“There are still pockets of attacks in a few villages, but they are not as serious as before. Many people who fled are beginning to return to their communities,” Aliyu added.
In Dandume, however, fear remains high despite signs of recovery. The chairman of the local government area, Hon. Bishir Sabiu, had rejected reports that 15 communities had been completely deserted, describing the claim as false and exaggerated.
He acknowledged that bandit attacks had heightened anxiety among residents, particularly during the rainy season when poor road conditions and thick vegetation make it easier for criminals to operate.
“People are in tension because crops have matured and many roads are not motorable. But from Dandume to Funtua, no community has been totally deserted,” Sabiu said.
The chairman confirmed that Takalamawa community recently came under attack, resulting in the deaths of three residents, while vigilantes and community patrol members killed three suspected bandits during a gun battle. He also disclosed that three injured victims were referred to Katsina for medical treatment.
The Katsina State Police Command said it had stepped up operations to consolidate the improving security situation. Police spokesman, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, said the command was working with the state government, the military, the Department of State Services and local authorities to restore lasting peace in the Funtua axis.
As part of the response, security stakeholders met in Funtua on September 9 and resolved to intensify joint operations, strengthen intelligence sharing, improve rapid response and reinforce community policing across Funtua, Faskari, Sabuwa and Dandume local government areas. The Commissioner of Police also deployed additional manpower and an Armoured Personnel Carrier to the zone.
Beyond security measures, the Katsina State Government has approved humanitarian interventions aimed at easing the hardship faced by vulnerable families.
The State Executive Council approved the procurement of 95,000 bags of assorted grains for distribution to less privileged residents, alongside cash assistance and non-food items for widows, orphans, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
The government also approved the modernization of markets in Dandume, Daura, Mashi and Jibia to revive commercial activities and support economic recovery in affected communities.
