Fear has gripped several villages in Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State after suspected terrorists reportedly issued a shocking ultimatum demanding hundreds of livestock from residents.
People in Sukuntuni and nearby communities have begun abandoning their homes after receiving a threatening letter ordering them to deliver 700 cattle and 1,000 sheep within days or face violent retaliation.
Security analyst, Bakatsine revealed the development on X (Twitter), warning that insecurity in rural northern Nigeria is worsening rapidly.
According to him, the letter – reportedly written in English – was delivered to residents on Saturday afternoon, sparking widespread panic across the affected communities. Many families have since started moving out of their villages, fearing a possible attack if the demands are not met.
The ultimatum comes as armed bandits continue a fresh wave of coordinated attacks across several parts of Katsina, including Matazu, Musawa, and Charanci.
In the early hours of Sunday, gunmen reportedly stormed Tudun Wulli in the Sukuntuni district, going from house to house during a raid. Although no deaths or kidnappings were reported, residents said the attackers looted valuables, leaving many even more terrified.
Witnesses also linked the latest incident to a previous attack in Sukuntuni last Thursday night that left several civilians injured.
Some locals blame the resurgence of violence on controversial peace deals previously struck between authorities and bandits, arguing that the arrangements have emboldened the criminals rather than curbing their activities.
As of Monday morning, officials had yet to release any formal statement regarding the threat.
Meanwhile, a video circulating online reportedly shows frightened residents fleeing Sukuntuni and surrounding villages with their belongings, searching for safer locations as fears of an imminent attack grow.
