By Our Reporter

Amnesty International has raised fresh concerns over escalating bandit attacks in Katsina State, warning that the situation could degenerate into a humanitarian crisis if urgent measures are not taken.

In a statement, the rights group said gunmen recently attacked Sayaya village in Matazu Local Government Area, where they allegedly set vehicles and motorcycles ablaze before moving from house to house, burning property.

According to Amnesty International, the attackers, said to be more than 100 and riding on motorcycles, were armed with sophisticated weapons and left the community in ruins.

The organisation noted that rural communities in the state continue to live in fear amid recurring attacks, killings and abductions.

It criticised authorities for what it described as failure to adequately protect residents, alleging that security forces were often absent during attacks and typically arrived hours after the assailants had fled.

The group also referenced a controversial decision by the state government in January to release about 70 suspected bandits as part of what was described as a peace initiative.

Amnesty International said between 2021 and 2025, at least 1,591 people had been killed in attacks linked to banditry in the state.

It warned that continued violence and lack of accountability could further embolden perpetrators and worsen insecurity in the region.

The organisation called on authorities to take urgent steps to protect lives and property, and to ensure that those responsible for the attacks are brought to justice.