January 24, 2026 | SUNTV Global News
Residents of Southern Maska in Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State are once again living in fear as armed bandits renew attacks on several communities, raising doubts about the effectiveness of recent peace agreements reached with the criminal groups.
Community members say the situation has worsened in recent weeks, with bandits carrying out violent raids, issuing threats and imposing compulsory levies—locally known as haraji—on helpless villagers, despite assurances that peace had been restored.
The affected communities include Unguwar Mailaya, Asharaha, Burma, Gobirawa, Gwangwari, Dan Tudu, Tudun Maje, Kurku, Ganwai, Yar Tasha, Gursudu, Batarawa, Gidan Alhaji Koshe, Dan Kunsai, Hayin Gishiri, Unguwar Dini, Gidan Soda, Yambu and several neighbouring settlements.
Residents report repeated incidents of killings, kidnappings and large-scale theft of livestock and valuables, forcing many families to abandon their homes in search of safety.
A resident told SUNTV Global that just two nights ago, armed men attempted to storm Unguwar Mailaya but were resisted by locals. However, the attackers later moved to Kauran Fawa in Dandume Local Government Area, where at least eight people were reportedly killed.
More alarming, locals allege that bandits have become increasingly bold, now making direct phone calls to villagers to threaten attacks or demand payments.
“They call people on the phone, threatening them and asking for money,” one resident said. “There is little or no security presence here, and that is why they are fearless.”
According to community members, the ease with which the armed groups communicate with residents highlights a serious security vacuum across the Southern Maska axis.
The renewed violence has sparked outrage and frustration among locals, who are questioning the credibility of the peace deals earlier brokered between Funtua Local Government stakeholders and bandit leaders.
Residents are now calling on the Katsina State government and security agencies to urgently deploy more personnel to the affected communities to protect lives and property before the situation spirals further out of control.
As fear grips Southern Maska once again, residents are demanding answers—why have the peace agreements failed, and what concrete steps are being taken to ensure lasting security in the area?
