At least two people were killed on Thursday night when suspected bandits attacked Kwatangiri community in Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State. The late-night attack has thrown the quiet rural community into fear and grief, as residents struggle to come to terms with yet another violent incident linked to banditry in the state.
According to local sources, the attackers stormed Kwatangiri late at night when most residents were already asleep. The gunmen reportedly moved from house to house, firing shots and forcing people to flee for safety. In the process, two residents were killed, while several houses were broken into and looted.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attackers came in large numbers and operated freely for several hours. “Last night, bandits stormed Kwatangiri community in Funtua Local Government Area, killing two people and looting several valuables. People were shouting and running in different directions. There was no help,” the source said.
Residents said the attackers made away with food items, clothing, mobile phones, and other household belongings. Some families were left with nothing, as their food stores and personal items were taken. Others suffered damage to their homes during the raid.
Another resident explained that the attack has left many people deeply shaken. “Many women and children are traumatised. Some people have not slept since the incident. We are living in fear because we do not know when they will come back,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the Katsina State Police Command or other security agencies on the incident. Efforts to reach security officials for comments were unsuccessful. The absence of immediate response has added to the worries of residents, who say security presence in the area is very weak.
Kwatangiri is a small farming community in Funtua Local Government Area, which is one of the areas in southern Katsina State affected by bandit attacks in recent years. Funtua is known as a commercial and agricultural hub, but surrounding rural communities have often complained of poor security and slow response to attacks.
Katsina State, like several states in the North-West, has faced serious security challenges linked to banditry for more than a decade. Armed groups, often referred to as bandits, are known to attack villages, kill residents, kidnap people for ransom, and steal cattle and food items. These attacks have forced many communities to abandon their homes and farmlands.
In recent years, both the federal and state governments have taken steps to address the problem. These include military operations, deployment of police and other security forces, and the creation of local security outfits. Katsina State has also supported community-based security efforts to help gather information and protect villages.
Despite these efforts, attacks have continued in many rural areas. Residents often complain that security forces arrive late or not at all when attacks occur, especially in remote communities. Poor roads, lack of communication facilities, and the vast land area have made security operations difficult.
The latest attack in Kwatangiri comes at a time when farmers are preparing for the planting season. Many residents fear that continued insecurity will stop them from going to their farms, which could affect food production and livelihoods in the area. Some families are already considering moving to safer towns or staying with relatives elsewhere.
Community leaders in Funtua Local Government Area have called on the government to act quickly. They are asking for increased security patrols, the establishment of a permanent security post near Kwatangiri, and better support for local vigilante groups. They also urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by sharing useful information.
Civil society groups have also expressed concern over the continued loss of lives in rural communities. They called on authorities to prioritise the protection of civilians and ensure that attackers are brought to justice.