Victims of banditry in Katsina State yesterday recounted chilling experiences of kidnapping, killings and loss of livelihoods at a town hall meeting organised by News Central to amplify the voices of communities ravaged by insecurity.

The event brought together victims, community leaders, government representatives, security agencies and civil society groups to discuss practical solutions to the security crisis.

Abdullahi Dalla, a resident of Daddara community, gave an emotional account of his ordeal.

“My brother and I were kidnapped and spent 15 days in captivity. My brother was killed right in front of me, and my family was asked to pay a ransom of N10 million. Because of their financial situation, they could only raise N700,000 before I was released.”

Another victim, Muryamu Musa from Kankiya Local Government Area, narrated how bandits killed her husband after abducting him.

“My husband was kidnapped on September 29, 2025, while going to work. The last time I saw him was when he asked whether I was ready to visit my mother before leaving the house. Neighbours tried to warn him, but it was already too late. He was later killed.”

The meeting also featured excerpts from Bandits of Katsina, News Central’s investigative documentary by Rukayyah Jibia, which highlights the human cost of banditry through accounts from victims and exclusive interviews with notorious bandit leaders.

Speaking at the event, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of News Central, Kayode Akintemi, called for collective action against insecurity.

“When there is insecurity in a country, it is because we have allowed it to happen. We are where we are because of our choices. We must make a decision that this must stop now, and the decision must come from the people.”

He added: “We have taken these conversations to Oyo and Benue, and today we are in Katsina because the stories of ordinary Nigerians must be heard. Journalism must not only inform; it must also create opportunities for engagement, accountability and solutions.”

Participants urged improved intelligence gathering, stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies, greater support for victims and inclusive peace initiatives to end the cycle of violence in Katsina State. (Vanguard)

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