Katsina Residents Abandon Roads Amid Bandit Attacks

Residents of Katsina are increasingly abandoning major roads due to a recent wave of bandit attacks along the Danmusa-Kankara-Funtua corridor. The violence, often perpetrated by armed men on motorcycles during late-night and daytime raids, has disrupted movement and heightened insecurity, making travel dangerous for motorists.

Commercial driver Aminu Babangida reported avoiding the Katsina-Jibia road due to renewed attacks, opting for longer, more expensive routes. Similarly, Malam Mustapha Shu Aibu noted the dangers of traveling along the Gidan Mutumi-Daya road, where bandits have been sighted.

The attacks have severely impacted local economies, raising transport costs and forcing traders like Isa Usman Dagi to limit their operations. Farmers, particularly in Kankara, have also been affected, retreating from their farmland due to insecurity.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Katsina has expressed concern over the worsening security situation, highlighting the fragility of peace agreements with armed groups that have previously brought temporary relief.