Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Communities across the Maska district of Funtua Local Government Area in Katsina State are once again confronting a surge of violent incursions by armed bandit groups, despite the existence of a peace agreement that was expected to restore calm in the region. Residents from a wide cluster of villages — among them Unguwar Mailaya, Asharaha, Burma, Gobirawa, Gwangwari, Dan Tudu, Tudun Maje, Kurku, Ganwai, Yar Tasha, Gursudu, Batarawa, Gidan Alhaji Koshe, Dankunsai, Hayin Gishiri, Anguwar Dini, Gidan Soda and Yambu — say the situation has deteriorated to the point where nightfall now brings fear rather than rest. The renewed wave of incursions has also triggered a louder call for government intervention, with locals insisting that the fragile security arrangement requires an urgent and more coordinated response if the communities are to avoid deeper humanitarian and economic strain.
Across these settlements, residents describe a climate of anxiety that sharply contrasts with the initial optimism that greeted the announcement of the peace deal. The agreement, which had been promoted as a turning point in efforts to reduce rural banditry, was expected to create breathing space for farmers, traders and families who have endured repeated cycles of violence over the years. Instead, villagers report that armed groups have re-emerged with familiar tactics: night attacks, movement through forests around the district, and sporadic shows of force designed to intimidate and discourage community activities. Locals say they no longer sleep with ease, as the threat of raids often looms without warning.
In Unguwar Mailaya, a resident said the fear has become a daily burden, explaining that even normal routines like tending livestock or visiting nearby farms require heightened caution. He noted that families have begun reducing outdoor activities after dusk and frequently gather indoors earlier than usual to avoid exposure. With the attacks occurring unpredictably, he explained that children, in particular, have been struggling with the constant disruption of their sense of safety. Accounts from Asharaha, Gobirawa and Burma echo these sentiments, with villagers stating that several households have already relocated temporarily to safer zones or to relatives in neighbouring communities, hoping for a reduction in hostility.
Farmers, who form the economic backbone of these villages, are also feeling the effects. Many say their farmlands lie close to routes frequently used by armed groups. As a result, movements to and from crop fields or grazing points have become fraught with uncertainty. Some villagers recounted instances where gunmen were sighted watching from a distance, appearing to be surveying activities or testing the community’s alertness. These sightings have discouraged many from returning to remote fields, raising fears that the agricultural season may suffer losses if the trend continues.
Beyond the personal toll, the recurring attacks have begun to erode the credibility of the peace deal itself. Upon its announcement, the agreement had been considered a promising approach to stabilising the Maska district and the wider Funtua area. The expectation was that the deal would reduce hostilities and allow security forces to consolidate control while community leaders worked to rebuild local resilience. However, the resurgence of attacks appears to show that the armed groups retain the ability to operate, regroup and penetrate multiple villages with relative ease. This has led some locals to question whether the agreement was fully embraced by all factions within the bandit networks or whether the mechanisms for monitoring compliance were insufficiently robust.
Security observers familiar with rural banditry in northern Nigeria warn that peace deals, while useful in certain contexts, often fail when the root drivers of violence remain unaddressed. According to analysts, such agreements can buy temporary calm but do not automatically dismantle armed groups’ structures, access to weapons or financial incentives. Without a strong enforcement framework and constant presence of security personnel, criminal elements often exploit the vacuum left by reduced military operations to re-establish influence. In areas like Maska district, where terrain and distance between settlements pose additional challenges, communities frequently become vulnerable when official patrols are limited or sporadic.
This context helps explain why villagers are now intensifying pressure on authorities for immediate deployment of security personnel to protect the affected axis. Leaders from several communities say they have communicated their concerns through local channels, urging state and federal forces to strengthen their presence around the district’s boundaries and forested zones. They argue that a proactive approach — including round-the-clock patrols, intelligence gathering, and close coordination with local vigilante groups — is essential to prevent further deterioration. Without such coordination, they fear that criminal groups could expand their foothold and create even more destabilising conditions.
The psychological toll on residents has also been significant. In interviews conducted across the villages, community members described living with an unsettling awareness that the peace they hoped for has not materialised. Parents noted that children who once moved freely between neighbouring settlements are now restricted, with families adopting stricter rules on movement. Elders said that social gatherings, including evening community meetings and cultural activities, have been limited due to security concerns. These disruptions have weakened social bonds that traditionally play an important role in fostering unity and collective resilience.
The prospect of continued instability raises broader concerns about humanitarian risks. Prolonged insecurity could lead to displacement, economic hardship and reduced access to essential services. Healthcare workers who serve rural populations often depend on safe roads to transport supplies or reach patients. Teachers have also been affected in other parts of the state under similar conditions, and communities fear that any worsening of the situation might compromise children’s access to schooling. Markets, which serve as critical points of economic activity, may experience reduced attendance if fear of attacks persists.
Despite these challenges, residents across the affected villages express a strong desire for a sustainable solution. They emphasise that peace is possible but must be supported by tangible security presence, timely reinforcements and clear political commitment. Some community representatives say they are willing to continue cooperating with authorities but insist that their courage must be met with equal determination from the government. They point out that the region’s history of resilience should not be taken for granted, especially when the threat of violence undermines people’s ability to live normal lives.
As tensions rise, the future of the peace deal in Funtua LGA appears uncertain. The situation in Maska district illustrates the complexities of maintaining stability in areas still shadowed by criminal networks. For now, residents continue to hope that their appeals will lead to swift action, restoring confidence in security measures and giving meaning to the peace that was promised.
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