In a deeply emotional moment during a plenary session of the Katsina State House of Assembly, lawmaker Ibrahim Umar Dikko broke down in tears as he raised alarm over the escalating insecurity in Matazu Local Government Area. Dikko revealed that bandits have taken control of eight out of the ten wards in the area.
Visibly distressed, Dikko—who serves as the Chief Whip of the Assembly—told his colleagues that the situation continues to deteriorate, with relentless attacks and no relief in sight for the affected communities.
“Out of the 10 wards, eight are under siege. Farmers can’t access their land,” he said. “Just yesterday, near the town’s secondary school, a young man was killed and four oxen were rustled.”
He also claimed that at least 12 people had been killed in just two days, leaving residents in constant fear and unable to carry out their daily activities, particularly farming—a major source of livelihood in the region.
The House responded swiftly to Dikko’s alarming report, passing motions urging both the State and Federal governments to immediately deploy additional troops to Matazu and neighbouring Sabuwa Local Government Areas. Lawmakers also called for an investigation into the recent withdrawal of security forces from several communities across the state.
Meanwhile, residents say the situation is becoming increasingly dire, with bandits and other criminal elements operating freely and terrorizing local populations. Many villages, especially in Matazu and Sabuwa, remain deserted, and farmlands are inaccessible due to the persistent threat of violence.
In Rinjin Idi, one of the most affected villages, local resident Aminu Murtala told reporters, “We haven’t seen any new deployment. People are too afraid to return to their farms.”
Rinjin Idi is among six communities that recently submitted a petition to the State Governor, highlighting the growing insecurity and pleading for urgent intervention.
Responding to the concerns, Chairman of Matazu Local Government Council, Shamsuddeen Muhammad Sayaya, urged residents to remain calm. He assured the public that authorities are working “tirelessly” with relevant security agencies to restore peace and order in the affected areas.
