Banditry: Katsina Farmers Use Elderly Women To Harvest Crops

Despite ongoing military operations in the North West, several communities in Katsina State continue to endure the hardships caused by bandits. Residents revealed that they are forced to rely on elderly women to harvest crops in secret due to threats posed by bandits.

Reports indicate that after extorting large sums of money from farmers before planting, the bandits have refused to allow them harvest their crops. The situation has left many residents in despair.

Amadu Tsanwa, a resident of Tsanwa community, told LEADERSHIP Weekend that he and others had paid the bandits to cultivate their land, but they were unable to return to farms or even remain in their villages due to the ongoing threats.

“I only visit my father from time to time in Tsanwa, Batsari local government area because of the security situation.  After paying a substantial amount to the bandits to allow us farm, they refused to let us harvest the produce. We’ve had to use elderly women on non-market days to secretly harvest crops and bury them in holes. Later, we transport them to safer locations in Katsina town,” he said.

He added that despite government’s efforts, security in the area had worsened. His younger sister was abducted a week ago, and the family has not heard from her since. He urged the government to intensify efforts to restore peace and allow residents return home safely.

Panic As Bandits Interrupt Juma’at Prayer In Katsina

In a similar vein, a source from Faskari local government area confirmed that while attacks had decreased in recent months, it was largely due to negotiations and payments made to bandits, rather than the military offensive.

The source, who requested anonymity, added: “As I speak, there has been a clash between vigilante groups and bandits. We are still assessing the level of destruction and the cause of the clash, but there have been casualties and fatalities.”

There an invasion of Dan-Ali community in Danmusa local government area yesterday, when bandits disrupted Jummat prayers in multiple mosques, firing sporadically, and forcing worshippers to flee.

Credible sources within the community confirmed the attack.

“We were at the Jummat prayer when we heard the shooting and everybody ran. We couldn’t hold our prayers again. Thanks to the Security Watch Corps in the area that gave them a hot chase. We need reinforcement because the bandits are giving us a tough time in our communities as we speak. Many farmers have been kidnapped, and we are all scared to enter our farms,” a source said.

According to him, for over a week, bandits had been preventing farmers from entering their farms in Dan-Ali and surrounding areas, including Gwarjo, Dangane, Tudun, Tasha Kadanya, and Tasha Biri.

The commissioner of police, CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa, in statement issued by the command’s spokesman, Sadiq Abubakar,  reiterated the commitment to protect lives and property. He urged residents to continue to support the police and other security agencies with timely information to enable them effectively combat crime.