Hundreds of residents of Funtua town in Katsina State have staged a protest over the deteriorating security situation in the area, calling on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to protect lives and property.
The protesters, comprising youths and adults, marched through the streets of Funtua, expressing frustration over what they described as persistent attacks by suspected bandits and the growing vulnerability of communities around the town.
Videos from the protest showed residents moving through the streets in large numbers while demanding stronger security measures and a more decisive response from authorities.
According to SaharaReporters attacks on communities around the Funtua axis had become increasingly frequent, heightening fears that the violence could spread further into densely populated areas.
The protest comes amid continuing incidents of banditry, kidnapping and armed attacks across parts of Katsina and neighbouring Zamfara State.
In recent months, several communities across the two states have experienced attacks resulting in deaths, abductions, cattle rustling and displacement of residents.
Farming communities have also been badly affected, with persistent insecurity forcing some residents to abandon their homes and farmlands, further threatening livelihoods and agricultural activities.
Despite ongoing military and police operations across the North-West, affected communities continue to demand greater security presence, improved intelligence gathering and faster responses to distress calls.
Security forces have, however, continued operations against armed groups in Katsina. On Thursday, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma working with the Nigeria Police reportedly foiled a bandit attack along the Dandume–Sheme Road and rescued three kidnapped victims following a distress call from residents.
The Funtua protesters are calling for increased deployment of security personnel, particularly around vulnerable rural communities, forests and routes believed to be used by armed groups.
Their demonstration reflects growing public pressure on authorities to contain the security threat and prevent further attacks across Katsina and the wider North-West region.
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