Five Villages in Kankia Under Siege by Bandits, Residents Cry Out for Help

By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times

At least five villages in the southern part of Tafashiya district, Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State, are currently under severe threat from armed bandits, forcing residents to flee their homes in search of safety.

The affected villages—Barkawa, Ƴar Santa, Badole, Doza, and Jakiri—are home to over 3,000 people who primarily rely on farming and small-scale businesses. However, the escalating attacks have plunged daily life into chaos, disrupting all social and economic activities.

Reports indicate that within the last four days alone, bandits launched multiple attacks across the area, killing at least four people and injuring several others.

“There are no security personnel or vigilante groups here. We live like animals in the wild, vulnerable to attacks at any moment. Many people have already fled their homes,” said a local resident who requested anonymity.

Nasiru Salisu, a native of the area now residing in Malumfashi town, told Katsina Times that his home has become a shelter for displaced persons, including over 15 women who escaped from the most affected villages.

“I own houses in Malumfashi, and these women and children are currently taking refuge there. And they are not alone—many others have fled to different parts of the country in search of safer living conditions,” he said.

He added that the situation has reached a critical point, demanding immediate intervention from government and security agencies.

“It’s already the rainy season, but no one dares to go to their farms. Schools have shut down, and healthcare centres are no longer functioning,” said another displaced resident.

Local communities are appealing to the government and security authorities to urgently deploy personnel and humanitarian support to assist those affected by the violence.