Bandits Demand 700 Cattle, 1,000 Sheep From Katsina Communities, Issue 6-Day Ultimatum

Panic has gripped residents of Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State after suspected bandits issued a six-day ultimatum demanding 700 cattle and 1,000 sheep to avoid an attack.

The demand was contained in a letter delivered to affected communities on April 6, giving residents until Friday, April 10, to comply.

The threat has sparked widespread fear in Sukuntuni, Unguwar Tsamiya, Magama, Walawa, and Tudun Wulli, with reports of armed bandits moving freely on motorcycles in the area.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity on Saturday, said the ultimatum followed months of harassment and abductions by armed groups operating in the area. 

According to him, a notorious bandit leader had earlier moved large numbers of rustled animals after a dispute with associates before imposing what he described as a “tax” on local communities.

“The situation has forced people to flee. Some have relocated to Rimaye, others to parts of Kano State, while some moved to Katsina town. About 10 villages are now deserted,” the resident said.

Concerns have also risen over the effectiveness of past negotiations between communities and armed groups, which residents said only brought temporary relief.

Reacting on Saturday, Malam Maiwada Dan-Mallam, Director General, Media and Publicity to the Katsina State Governor, appealed for calm. He said authorities were investigating the development and cautioned that the letter may have been intended to create panic.

“The letter has not been officially acknowledged by any authority. It could have been written to create fear among the people. The government is working tirelessly to protect lives and property across the state,” Dan-Mallam said.

Despite the assurances, tension remains high in the affected communities, with many displaced residents still afraid to return home.