Grief and fear have gripped the Sayaya community in Matazu Local Government Area following a deadly bandits’ attack in the early hours of Thursday that claimed the lives of seven people, including a woman.

Residents described the incident as one of the most brutal attacks in recent months, saying it has shattered the fragile calm the community had begun to enjoy after the deployment of security forces to the area.

Witnesses said the attackers stormed Sayaya at 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.”

According residents, 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,”he is the one who abducted major General Rabe Abubakar Batsari RTD and his wife,another resident said. “Anytime we hear his name, we know trouble is coming.”Alaramma jibrin mentioned.

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 added 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 recounted. “People were beaten, some were taken away, and nobody could help.”says Sulaiman Sale Sayaya

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 continues, fear has forced many residents to flee. Entire families have reportedly abandoned Sayaya, seeking refuge in Matazu town and other nearby communities, uncertain whether it is 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 Daily Trust source identified the victims as Lawal Chiki (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 are appealing to both the state and federal governments for urgent and sustained action, warning that temporary deployments and short-term operations will 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 to 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.

As Sayaya buries its dead and counts its losses, one question continues to echo across Matazu: when will peace truly return? (Daily Trust)

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