North boils over bandits invasion, protesting youths take over highway in Katsina

The north appears to have been thrown into social disorder as youths embarked on mass protest in agitation of the invasion of rural communities and public institutions by bandits without restraints.

Several youths were said to have come out in large numbers protesting the high frequency of banditry attacks in many states of northwest Nigeria. The protesting youths took over the Katsina-Kankara-Yantumaki highway, obstructing traffic, causing hard time for transporters, commuters, and other road users.

The protesting youths were said to have taken to the roads at about 6.00am, burning tires and blocking the highway. Vehicles were not allowed passage on the road.

The youths were said to have taken to the roads after the killing of 2 persons the previous night by bandits’ in Amarawa community.

It was highlighted that the highway being blocked by the protesters is a route to Kaduna, linking Abuja and other parts of the country.

The protesters decried that bandit on Saturday, August 14, killed 5 persons, including the Village Head of Mazoji Yalwa Papu, burnt several houses in certain communities in Matazu and Musawa Local Government areas in Katsina State, the home state of President Muhammadu Buhari.

In the attacks which lasted for about 8.50pm, the bandits rustled many animals, besides destroying properties of the residents.

People injured by the bandits in the attacks were said to be receiving medical attention in the Hospital.

There were indications that security operatives may be drafted to the scene to restore normalcy. This was, however, not confirmed at the time of this report.