•Bandits
The Katsina State Chapter of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has expressed deep concern and strong condemnation over the renewed spate of deadly attacks by armed bandits across southern parts of the State, mostly in Funtua, Sabuwa, Kankara and Faskari LGAs.
The Coalition, in a statement yesterday, signed by its State Coordinator Abdullahi Kabir, recalled that on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, armed men brazenly invaded the General Hospital in Sabua LGA during daylight, disrupting medical activities and leaving citizens traumatised, reports Channels TV.
He said, even more shocking was the incident of Wednesday, May 14, 2025, when bandits launched an attack in Funtua town during Maghrib prayer, carting away over 50 cows and creating panic among residents.
This, he explained, happened right in an urban centre, highlighting the deteriorating security situation.
He added that reports from Faskari and Kankara LGAs also indicate ongoing attacks in several villages, where communities live in fear and uncertainty.
These tragic developments are, therefore, according to the Coalition, unacceptable, and they call for urgent attention and a robust response.
“We call on the Katsina State Government to review its current security strategy and adopt a more localised, community-driven approach that empowers vigilantes and traditional institutions.
“The federal government must, as a matter of urgency, deploy additional security personnel and logistics to the frontline areas and consider the establishment of a permanent military base in Southern Katsina,” the statement read partly.
The group also urged relevant security agencies to intensify surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid response measures in the affected areas.
“While we decry these recent attacks, we must also acknowledge the positive impacts of dialogue and reconciliation efforts in areas such as Batsari LGA and Jibia LGA, where peace initiatives have contributed to relative calm. These efforts show that, when genuine and community-centred, dialogue can reduce violence and build trust between citizens and the government.
“We pray for lasting peace in Katsina, across the Northern region, and Nigeria as a whole. May Almighty Allah protect our people, grant solace to those affected, and guide our leaders toward making decisions that will restore dignity and safety to all.”
