Residents of Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State have commended security operatives for their efforts at tackling the security challenges bedeviling the area.
Several of them who spoke with newsmen Friday afternoon, said the security situation which had been worrisome months ago, have largely been brought under control in recent times.
Speaking, a community leader in Wagini village, Yahuza Aminu said the community used to witness constant attacks by bandits, with several lives lost, as well as abductions and rustling of animals.
“there was a time none of us as a community could sleep in the night with our eyes closed, because we know the bandits could attack any time.
“Some of our people have lost their lives, some injured, others were abducted. There was a time about 50 of of people were abducted by bandits.
“We lived in fear, and some members of the community had to flee the area to seek refuge in neighbouring villages. It was indeed dark days for us as a community.”
Aminu, however, said the security situation had recently improved, and that there had been no reports of abductions, killings, or rustling of animals as it used to be in the past.
“We have not heard the sound of gunshots from bandits for the past one year, and our people now go about their normal businesses; markets now operate full time.
“We cannot says there has been complete elimination of the security challenge, as some attacks still happed in the eastern part of the community, from time to time.
“But compared to one of more years ago, I can confidently tell you that insecurity has largely been brought to its knees in the area.”
He also said that the improved security situation had led to bumper harvest by farmers in the area.
According to him, “Some of our farmers who couldn’t go to farm due to insecurity, were able to plant and harvest their crops, and many of them have made millions of naira selling their farm produce.”
The reaction is the same at both the Wagini and Batsari markets, with many of the shop owners saying they now sell their goods without fear of attacks.
Chairman of shoe sellers, Jamilu Sani said in the past, they could hardly go a week without hearing of attacks, including attacks on his members ferrying their goods from other council areas.
“But security has greatly improved. We now buy and sell without fear of attacks. We thank the security operatives and government for this,” he added.
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