Residents of Bakori Local Government Area in Katsina State have staged a peaceful protest to demand urgent government intervention following a spate of deadly attacks by armed bandits in their communities. The protest, held over the weekend, was triggered by increasing insecurity that has led to numerous deaths, injuries, and kidnappings.
The demonstrators, mostly local residents, expressed frustration over the government’s failure to address the persistent violence plaguing their villages. According to sources in the community, the protest remained peaceful, with no reported injuries or property damage.
However, tensions escalated after the protest as police reportedly began targeting those involved in the demonstration. Community sources say security operatives launched house-to-house searches, arresting participants and suspected organisers.
Among those targeted is a well-known social media commentator in the area, identified as Anas Muhammad Game. Although police reportedly stormed his home, he was not present at the time. Instead, officers arrested his younger brother, who was later released.
The incident has raised concerns over the suppression of free speech and the right to peaceful assembly. “We protested peacefully because we’re tired of the killings and kidnappings,” a resident told SaharaReporters. “Now the police are harassing us instead of protecting us.”
Another community member added, “The police are now after Anas because of his influence online. They should be going after the bandits, not innocent civilians.”
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach the Katsina State Police Command for comment were unsuccessful.
Local residents are calling on human rights organisations, the media, and concerned Nigerians to intervene and ensure their voices are heard without fear of persecution.
Source@Sahara Reporters
