Bandit Threat Sparks Mass Displacement in Katsina Community, MURIC Alerts FG

Bandit Threat Sparks Mass Displacement in Katsina Community, MURIC Alerts FG

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has issued a distress call to federal authorities over an alleged bandit threat that has forced residents of Sukuntuni in Kankiya Local Government Area of Katsina State to flee their homes.

In a press release dated April 8, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Ishaq Akintola, the organisation said it received reports and video evidence showing hundreds of residents abandoning their communities following a purported ultimatum issued by bandits.

According to the statement, the affected communities span Sukuntuni and neighbouring areas including Kankiya, Musawa, Chuga and Matazu. MURIC alleged that the residents fled after receiving a letter demanding 700 cows and 1,000 sheep as ransom to avert an ആക്രമation, with a deadline set for April 10.

The group described the situation as alarming, noting that many displaced persons, including women and children, were seen trekking in search of safety. It expressed concern over what it termed a worsening humanitarian situation in parts of northern Nigeria affected by banditry and insurgency.

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MURIC called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritise security, stressing that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.

The organisation also urged the Ministry of Defence to intensify efforts to safeguard vulnerable communities, particularly in the North-West and North-East regions where attacks by armed groups have persisted.

While highlighting the plight of the displaced residents, MURIC rejected claims that violent attacks in the region are targeted at any specific religious group. It argued that both Muslim and Christian communities have suffered from terrorism and banditry, describing the violence as criminal in nature rather than religiously motivated.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official confirmation from security agencies regarding the alleged threat or the reported displacement of residents in the affected communities.

Security analysts have repeatedly called for improved intelligence gathering and rapid response mechanisms to address the growing insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria

Bandit Threat Sparks Mass Displacement in Katsina Community, MURIC Alerts FG