Residents of Kitibawa community in Makera Ward, Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State, were thrown into panic on Saturday afternoon after armed bandits stormed the area and carried out a daylight raid.

Eyewitnesses said four bandits riding on a motorcycle entered the community and first targeted phone-charging points, where they forcefully collected mobile phones from residents.

The attackers later moved to a fuel seller, where they reportedly took fuel without any resistance before leaving the town.

Residents said that as the bandits were exiting the community, they fired two gunshots into the air, causing fear and confusion among villagers.

Shortly afterward, the gunmen intercepted a civilian on the outskirts of Kitibawa and forcefully took his motorcycle before escaping from the area.

The incident has heightened anxiety among residents, especially coming barely weeks after a peace agreement was said to have been reached between communities and armed groups in Dutsin-Ma LGA.

Some residents questioned the credibility and effectiveness of the peace deal, noting that such attacks occurring openly in broad daylight suggested the agreement might already be failing.

Kitibawa and surrounding communities in Dutsin-Ma LGA have suffered repeated attacks by bandits in recent years, including killings, abductions and cattle rustling.

Residents are now calling for renewed efforts to restore confidence and ensure lasting peace in the area. (Zagazola)