We are tired of living in fear,” protesters say as insecurity worsens in Northwest Nigeria
Katsina, Nigeria — November 2025:
Hundreds of residents from several rural communities in Katsina State took to the streets on Tuesday morning to protest the rising wave of bandit attacks, blocking a major highway and disrupting vehicular movement for hours.
The protesters, made up of men, women, and youths, barricaded the Katsina–Jibia Highway, chanting slogans and carrying placards that read “Enough is Enough,” “Stop the Killings,” and “We Deserve Protection.”
Eyewitnesses said the demonstration began after a night raid by armed bandits in Batsari Local Government Area, which reportedly left several villagers dead and others abducted.
⚠️ “We Can’t Sleep Anymore”
Speaking to reporters, a local youth leader, Abdullahi Garba, said the people were protesting the failure of security agencies to respond to repeated distress calls.
“Our people are dying every week. We call the police and the army, but help never comes in time. We are tired. We can’t sleep anymore because bandits attack us at night almost every day,” he said.
Another protester, Hauwa Musa, said many families have fled their villages, leaving their farms unattended due to fear of kidnappers and gunmen.
“They burn our houses, they take our children, and nobody helps us. The government only sends soldiers after the damage is done,” she lamented.
🚔 Security Forces Deployed
The Nigerian Police Force and soldiers from Operation Hadarin Daji were later deployed to disperse the protesters and reopen the road to traffic.
Security officials confirmed that the blockade caused heavy gridlock along the Katsina–Jibia–Maradi route, affecting travelers heading toward the Niger Republic border.
A police spokesperson for the state, ASP Abubakar Aliyu, urged the protesters to remain calm, assuring that security reinforcements have been sent to the affected communities.
“We understand their frustration. The command has launched fresh operations in Batsari and Jibia LGAs to restore peace and ensure safety,” he said.
🕊️ Government Reaction
The Katsina State Government described the attacks as “tragic and unacceptable,” pledging to strengthen joint patrols and surveillance in vulnerable areas.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda reportedly convened an emergency security meeting with local leaders and military commanders to address the situation.
“The government will not rest until our rural areas are free from these criminal elements,” a senior aide to the governor told journalists.
🔎 Background
Katsina, the home state of former President Muhammadu Buhari, has been one of the epicenters of bandit violence in northern Nigeria.
Over the past months, villages in Batsari, Jibia, and Safana LGAs have faced frequent raids, mass kidnappings, and livestock theft.
Security analysts warn that unless urgent action is taken, the humanitarian crisis could worsen as thousands continue to flee rural areas.
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