Villages and communities near Jibiya in Katsina State are grappling with an escalating security crisis that has transformed once-thriving settlements into desolate ghost towns. Bandit attacks have forced residents to flee, leaving entire villages abandoned in fear and despair. Despite ongoing efforts by security forces to restore peace, many communities continue to live in constant terror.

In the affected areas surrounding Jibiya, villagers flee at the first sign of danger, with any unusual sound or movement causing panic. This atmosphere of fear has compelled people to abandon their homes and farmlands, stripping them of their means of livelihood. Once-populous communities like Kwari now stand deserted, with the majority of residents scattered across safer regions.

Kwari, a village once known for its rich farmlands and livestock, is now overtaken by overgrown vegetation. Former residents describe their struggles to return to normal life amidst the ever-present threat of banditry. Community leaders and villagers shared harrowing accounts of life under siege. Malam Sani from Jibiya reported, “We no longer sleep in peace. We live in a constant state of readiness, as our lives have been turned upside down.”

One elderly resident mentioned that despite government assurances and the presence of security personnel, fear remains palpable, with recurring incidents of abductions, killings, and bandit raids eroding people’s confidence in the government's ability to protect them.

Although additional security forces have been deployed, locals feel that the response has not been sufficient. Security agents face significant challenges in containing the well-armed bandits, who seem to overpower the available forces.

The ongoing insecurity has also hindered agricultural activities, worsening the region's food crisis. Business activities have suffered as well, with the main roads linking these villages to nearby cities deemed too dangerous to traverse.

While the residents of Jibiya and surrounding areas hope for a return to peace, many are uncertain if this is achievable. Some express hope that the government will intensify its efforts to secure the region, enabling them to return home safely. However, for now, stories of kidnappings and thefts dominate the narrative, making life precarious for those remaining in these villages turned ghost towns.

Local leaders have appealed to the government to take additional measures to secure lasting peace in Jibiya and its environs. As villagers yearn for the day they can return to their homes without fear, Jibiya’s villages remain silent, caught between hope for peace and the constant dread of another attack.