GRIEF and fear have enveloped the Sayaya community in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State following a deadly bandit attack in the early hours of Thursday that claimed the lives of seven people, including a woman.
News Point Nigeria reports that residents described the incident as one of the most brutal attacks in recent months, saying it shattered the fragile calm the community had begun to enjoy after the deployment of security forces to the area.
According to witnesses, the attackers stormed Sayaya in the early hours of Thursday, firing sporadically and triggering widespread panic as residents fled their homes in search of safety.
“We were asleep when we heard heavy gunshots,” a resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons, told Daily Trust.
“People were screaming, children were crying, and everyone was running in different directions. By the time the gunmen left, seven of our people were lying lifeless.”
Residents said the victims included farmers and traders who had hoped to resume normal life after weeks of relative peace.
Locals alleged that the attackers were led by a feared bandit leader, Kachallah Fulani Muhammad, whose name has long been associated with deadly raids and abductions across communities in Matazu and neighbouring areas.
“This is the same man who has terrorised our villages for years,” another resident said.
“He is the one who abducted Major General Rabe Abubakar Batsari (rtd.) and his wife. Anytime we hear his name, we know trouble is coming,” Alaramma Jibrin reportedly stated.
Residents linked the renewed violence to the recent withdrawal of troops attached to Operation Fansan Yamma, alleging that the attackers returned almost immediately after soldiers pulled out.
“When the soldiers were here, we could sleep with our eyes closed,” a community elder said.
“But once they left, the bandits came back with more anger. It feels like we have been abandoned.”
The residents said the fear is no longer limited to Sayaya alone.
They alleged that the same group recently blocked the Karaduwa–Rimaye Road in broad daylight, abducting travellers and assaulting others without resistance.
“They stopped vehicles on the road as if it was their territory,” a commuter, identified as Sulaiman Sale Sayaya, recounted.
“People were beaten, some were taken away, and nobody could help.”
In Matazu town, emotions ran high as mourners gathered to bury the victims in accordance with Islamic rites.
Tears flowed freely as families struggled to comprehend the scale of the loss.
“This is not just a tragedy for Sayaya; it is a tragedy for the entire local government,” a community leader said.
“We have lost innocent lives, and this pain will remain with us for a long time.”
As mourning continued, fear reportedly forced many residents to flee the community.
Entire families were said to have abandoned Sayaya and sought refuge in Matazu town and other nearby communities, uncertain whether it was safe to return.
“We cannot stay and wait to be killed,” a displaced woman said while relocating her children.
“At least in town, we can sleep without hearing gunshots.”
A source identified the victims as Lawal Chiki of Sayaya, Abdullahi Mustapha, Yalili Mai Ruwa, Isau Maharba, Salma Tasi’u, and Ibrahim Uncle, who was said to be mentally ill.
For years, communities across Katsina State have endured persistent bandit attacks marked by killings, abductions, cattle rustling and the gradual destruction of livelihoods.
Farmers now fear going to their fields, traders avoid highways, and parents worry constantly about the safety of their children.
“Our farms are there, but our lives are more important,” a farmer said.
“If we go to the bush, we may not return.”
Residents appealed to both the state and federal governments for urgent and sustained action, warning that temporary deployments and short-term operations would not bring lasting peace.
“We don’t want temporary peace,” a community leader stressed.
“We want a permanent solution. We want to live without fear. We want our children to sleep at home, not run for their lives.”
When contacted, the police spokesperson, DSP Sadik Aliyu, said the command was yet to verify the information and promised to provide an update.
However, as of the time of filing this report, no further response had been received.