Tension gripped the communities of Danjanku, Dantashi, and Dayi in Malumfashi Local Government Area, Katsina State, following a fresh bandit attack that left one person dead and 17 others abducted, despite an existing peace agreement between the government and the criminals.

Residents reported that the latest assault, which occurred on Monday night, was the third in less than a week, bringing the total number of abducted individuals in the area to over 30. Eyewitnesses said the bandits scaled fences to enter homes, abduct residents, and kill one person in the process.

In response, youths from the affected communities took to the streets on Tuesday morning, blocking the Funtua–Katsina highway to protest the government’s failure to secure the area. The protest, initially peaceful, turned violent when security personnel arrived to disperse the crowd, reportedly killing one protester and injuring others.

Residents of Dantashi and Dayi later joined the demonstration in solidarity, burning tires and blocking roads to voice their frustration over the growing insecurity. Calm was eventually restored after intervention by traditional rulers and community elders.

The Village Head of Danjanku, Tanimu Almakiyayi, confirmed the attack, saying, “They came last night, killed one person, and abducted several others. We are living in fear here.” A security source also confirmed the incident but requested anonymity.

Locals expressed concern that, despite the peace deal, bandits continue to extort farmers, demanding taxes on their harvests without guaranteeing safety. “Even after paying, there’s no guarantee we can farm or move freely,” one resident lamented.

Calls to the Katsina State Police for comment were not returned at press time.