Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah
Tension erupted in Mairua, Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State on Monday, after security operatives reportedly shot and killed a youth during a peaceful protest against worsening insecurity in the region.
Eyewitnesses say angry residents immediately blocked the busy Gusau-Funtua highway in furious reaction to the incident, paralyzing traffic for hours as they demanded justice for the victim and stronger protection from relentless bandit attacks.
The protest was organized by locals to decry the alarming spike in kidnappings, killings, and armed banditry that has made life unbearable in the area. According to Security Analyst Bakataine in a post on his verified X handle, the demonstration remained orderly until security forces arrived and attempted to disperse the crowd, leading to the fatal shooting that triggered the road blockade.
Katsina police authorities have yet to release an official statement confirming or denying the shooting, but community leaders have condemned the use of lethal force against unarmed protesters. “Our people are being slaughtered daily by bandits, and now security agents are killing us for crying out over our suffering,” said one local leader.
The Gusau-Funtua road remains partially blocked as youths demand accountability, while security reinforcements have been deployed to the area. Residents say they will continue demonstrations until concrete action is taken to address the region’s security crisis.
Reacting to the incident, Abdulbaqi Ghazi said “Stay at home and get killed by criminals. The state allows it to happen. Come out to protest getting killed by criminals and get killed by the security operatives.”
Ahmed Nguru emphasised that Faskari LGA is basically bandits’ playground where they do as they please. The people are protesting simply because they’re fed up, they want to be heard. And just like that, a person was shot.
This incident marks the latest escalation in growing public frustration over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, particularly in the Northwest where bandit warlords operate with near impunity.