By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times | August 24, 2025
A high-powered delegation of federal lawmakers, traditional rulers, and political leaders from the Funtua Senatorial Zone, led by Senator Muntari Dandutse, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Internal Affairs, paid a condolence visit on Sunday to the people of Mantau village in Karfi District, Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The visit followed a deadly bandit attack on the community last week, in which at least 28 people were killed and over 80 abducted. Although most of those kidnapped were later released, the assault left the community in shock and mourning.
The delegation included members of the House of Representatives from the 11 local government areas of Funtua zone, council chairmen, traditional leaders, and other prominent figures. Their mission was to commiserate with victims’ families and reassure residents that they were not left alone in their grief.
Speaking during the visit, Senator Dandutse expressed deep sorrow, describing the attack as a grave tragedy that required collective resilience and prayer. He strongly condemned the killings, kidnappings, and destruction wrought by bandits across Katsina, pledging that the Senate would push for urgent action to restore peace.
“No leader would want to see his people live in fear and terror. We have already called on the Federal Government to deploy more security forces in Malumfashi and surrounding areas. Plans are underway to establish a military command centre between Karfi and Malumfashi, as well as a Mobile Police base, each with at least 600 personnel. In addition, local vigilantes will receive support to boost their capacity against the attackers,” Dandutse said.
He further stressed that the fight required courage and sacrifice, declaring:
“Even if it costs us our lives, we will stand firm until justice is done. No government can fold its arms while people are being killed, women raped, and homes burnt without taking decisive action.”
As part of immediate relief efforts, Senator Dandutse announced donations worth ₦10 million, including 100 bags of rice, 100 bags of maize, and 200 bags of cement to rebuild a mosque destroyed during the attack. He said the gesture aimed to ease the suffering of residents and strengthen their resolve.
Other members of the delegation included the Chairman of Malumfashi LGA, lawmakers representing Malumfashi/Kafur and Musawa/Matazu federal constituencies, the Deputy Chairman of ALGON in Katsina State, Rabo Tambaya Danja, Justice Sadiq Abdullahi Mahuta, and the District Head of Karfi, among other community leaders.
Community representatives expressed gratitude for the solidarity visit, noting it was a sign of empathy. However, they reiterated the urgent need for government to deploy more security personnel to protect rural communities that have become soft targets for bandits, particularly farmers and their families.
Last week’s attack plunged Mantau into mourning, as armed bandits stormed the village at night, killing more than 28 people and abducting several others. Homes and properties were also destroyed. Although some abductees have since been released, residents say fear of renewed attacks remains high.
Senator Dandutse concluded with a fervent prayer against those responsible for the atrocities:
“We will continue to call on God, for they are not beyond His power. May God expose and destroy all those behind this heinous crime.”
Analysts believe the visit by federal lawmakers and political leaders could draw greater federal attention to Katsina’s worsening insecurity, which continues to threaten lives, livelihoods, and food production across the state.
