Bandits Kill Katsina Resident Returning From Market Despite Reported Peace Deal With Authorities

Katsina State– Terrorists suspected to be bandits have killed a resident of Katsina State, identified as Saminu Hassan, while he was returning from a local market in Faskari Local Government Area, highlighting the persistent insecurity in the region despite a reported peace agreement between authorities and armed groups.

Afrika Eyes gathered that Hassan, who hailed from Sabon Layin Galadima in Faskari LGA, was shot dead on Saturday evening when armed bandits opened fire on the vehicle he was travelling in.

The attack reportedly occurred along the Marabar Maigora–Unguwar Rimi road as the victim was returning from the Dandume market.

Meanwhile, the gunmen, believed to be members of armed bandit groups operating in the area, ambushed the vehicle and began shooting, killing Hassan during the attack.

A security alert issued by Bakatsine on Monday confirmed the incident and raised concerns over continued attacks in the area despite a reported peace deal between local authorities and bandit groups.

According to Bakatsine, “Reports indicate that Saminu Hassan, from Sabon Layin Galadima in Faskari LGA of Katsina State, was killed on Saturday evening when bandits opened fire on the vehicle he was traveling in while returning from the Dandume market. The attack occurred along Marabar Maigora–Unguwar Rimi way.”

The statement further noted that the killing occurred despite ongoing negotiations and a reported peace arrangement between authorities in Dandume and Faskari Local Government Areas and bandit groups led by Isiya Kwashen Garwa.

“The incident comes despite the reported peace deal between authorities in Dandume and Faskari LGAs and bandit groups led by Isiya Kwashen Garwa,” Bakatsine added.

Residents in the affected communities have continued to express fear over their safety as attacks by armed bandits persist across several parts of Katsina State, particularly in rural areas where travellers and farmers are frequently targeted.

Katsina State, one of the states in Nigeria’s North-West region, has faced years of violent attacks by armed bandit groups who engage in killings, kidnappings for ransom, and raids on communities.

In recent months, authorities in some parts of the state have reportedly explored peace negotiations with certain bandit leaders in an attempt to reduce violence.

However, incidents like the killing of Hassan have raised questions about the effectiveness and sustainability of such arrangements.

As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had yet to publicly comment on the latest attack.