Protesters Block Kano-Katsina Highway After Bandit Attacks in Border Communities

Protesters blocked the Kano-Katsina highway at the Dayi-Gwarzo corridor on Sunday after bandit attacks in border communities between Gwarzo Local Government Area in Kano State and Malumfashi Local Government Area in Katsina State. m. Protesters erected barricades, chanted slogans, and told travelers to turn back.

Hundreds of motorists and commuters were stranded when the blockade remained in place hours later.

Security personnel deployed to disperse the crowd fired warning shots. One protester was reportedly killed by an accidental discharge. Verification of the casualty and identification of the specific unit involved remained ongoing at press time.

The Kano State Police Command spokesperson said authorities were engaging community leaders to reduce tensions. The spokesperson stated in a phone interview that consultations with stakeholders were continuing.

Residents said the unrest followed raids in Lakwoya, a border community in Gwarzo Local Government Area. Witnesses reported that armed bandits killed three people, destroyed property, extorted money, and stole livestock in recent days. Frustrated residents marched to the Gwarzo Local Government headquarters to demand improved security.

After the chairman's response, some protesters set fire to the local government secretariat. Businesses in Gwarzo town closed and some residents left the area amid the unrest. Residents said security agencies had been slow to respond to earlier distress calls and that attacks had continued in daylight hours.