Bandits Issue Six-Day Ultimatum in Katsina, Demand 700 Cattle, 1,000 Sheep

Suspected bandits have thrown several communities in Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State into panic after reportedly issuing a six-day ultimatum demanding 700 cattle and 1,000 sheep from affected villages.

Local sources told PUNCH that the demand was contained in a letter allegedly circulated to communities on Thursday, triggering widespread anxiety and forcing many residents to flee their homes amid fears of imminent attacks.

The development has escalated concerns about coordinated assaults across rural settlements in northern Katsina State, where banditry, kidnappings, and cattle rustling have become recurring challenges.

Ultimatum Follows Months of Harassment

A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity on Saturday said the ultimatum came after months of alleged harassment, kidnappings, and livestock theft by armed groups operating across parts of Kankia LGA.

According to the resident, the situation worsened after a bandit commander identified as Muhammadu reportedly moved large numbers of stolen livestock following internal disputes within his group, before later issuing what he described as a “tax” demand on surrounding communities.

“There is someone called Muhammadu among the bandits who, after having a misunderstanding with his partners, came with about 200 motorcycles and moved around 1,700 animals he had gathered, staying with them in Rimaye town,” the resident said.

“Two days after that, he requested the same number of animals from us as tax that we must pay… and wrote a letter to Sukuntuni town stating that it is by force to pay within six days, and if not, he will attack the whole town.”

Widespread Panic, Displacement

The threat has spread panic across multiple settlements, including Sukuntuni, Unguwar Tsamiya, Magama, Walawa, and Tudun Wulli. Residents reported that armed men have continued to move freely on motorcycles along surrounding bush paths.

The ultimatum has triggered a wave of displacement, forcing families to abandon their homes and seek safety elsewhere.

“The situation has forced people to flee. Some have relocated to Rimaye, others to parts of Kano State, while some moved to Katsina town. About 10 villages are now deserted,” the resident said.

Residents also recalled previous violent incidents in the area, including an attack in Sayaya where a hospital was reportedly set ablaze, a police officer and civilians were killed, and vehicles were destroyed.

Government Urges Calm, Says Letter Unverified

Reacting to the development, the Director-General of Media to Katsina State Governor, Maiwada Dammalla, said security agencies had yet to officially verify the letter and urged residents not to panic.

He suggested the document may have been designed to create fear and destabilise already anxious communities.

“The letter has not been officially acknowledged by any authority. It could have been written to create fear among the people. The government is working tirelessly to protect lives and property,” Dammalla said.

Authorities in Katsina State said investigations are ongoing as security operatives intensify monitoring of rural communities in Kankia LGA and surrounding areas.