Fact-Check: No, Bandits Have Not Taken Over Kankara
An X user, formerly Twitter, with the account name Bakatsine (@DanKatsina50) shared a viral post that the Kankara local government area of Katsina State has fallen under bandits control—where citizens are barred from farming activities, the major economy of the region.
In context, declaring a terror group capturing territory indicates that both the council chair and security operatives in the LGA have been outsmarted or are on the run following the bandits’ rule.
Several news outlets, including Leadership Newspaper, Daily Post, and Kano Times, published the story. Causing panic among residents and the broader public.
The Claim
His statement reads, “BREAKING: Bandits led by feared warlord Babaro seize control of Kankara LGA, Katsina State. Farming banned from Marabar Kankara to Yantumaki, dozens killed/kidnapped, healthcare collapsed. Residents beg Gov. @dikko_radda & FG for urgent intervention. @NGRPresident @NGRSenate.”
Screenshot of the post
What we know so far
Considering the geographical review of the areas mentioned in the claim, Daily Episode checks reveal a major flaw, as Marabar Kankara to Sabon Layin Nasaru falls within Malumfashi LGA, not Kankara. Similarly, Yantumaki belongs to Danmusa LGA, as indicated in the map. The actual span of Kankara LGA stretches from Sabon Layin Nasaru to the Tudu community.
Thus, the claim that bandits have taken over “Kankara”—based on incidents occurring across three different LGAs—is misleading.
Mararabar Kankara to Yantumaki
While it’s true that Kankara local government has been experiencing bandit attacks recently, as several people have been displaced and killed, business activities like farming and local commercial engagement are tragically crippled in some rural communities.
Bandits have recently attacked and killed farmers in a coordinated attack, which Daily Episode reported resulted in over 30 farmers killed.
But that does not support claims of full territorial control by any terrorist group.
As the bandits terrorising the local government typically carry out hit-and-run attacks—launching attacks and retreating quickly to their hideouts far from the villages or within the local government.
Farming and Daily Life Continue
Farming activities are still ongoing, as Daily Episode visited the Dan Maidaki, interviewed farmers, and saw how they engage in their livelihood across communities from Burdigau down to the local government secretariat.
Although the farmers revealed that bandits are constantly attacking communities, killing, kidnapping, and rustling animals. “But the claim that bandits banned farming is not true, even though we are at risk of being attacked,” said Hamza Aminu, a local farmer.
The local governance is intact
The local government secretariat remains operational as the council chairman, Hon. Kasimu Dan Tsoho, and the supervisory councilors perform their duties. While businesses and means of livelihood run as they are, they are actively plying the Kankara-Katsina route.
Security Forces Are Present
Daily Episode can also report that both the Kankara divisional police station, military base, and police outpost, including mobile police deployed at Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, have not been dislodged or neutralised.
Authorities respond
In a statement signed by DSP Abubakar Sadiq, police authorities in the state have debunked the claim and tagged it as misleading.
“We wish to categorically debunk these claims, as they are entirely baseless, unfounded, mischievous, and aimed at inciting fear and panic among the people of Kankara LGA and the state in general.
“We assure the general public that the situation in Kankara LGA remains calm and under control. Residents are going about their daily activities without disruption, and the command, in collaboration with other security agencies in the state, is working tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of the lives and property of the good people of the state, especially Kankara LGA”.
Similarly, the local government chairman, Hon. Kasimu Dan Tsoho, described the claim as fake news and urged residents and Nigerians to remain calm, as the widely spread information is targeted at causing unrest.
Verdict
The claim being spread by the X user that Kankara Local Government is under bandits control is misleading, as it lacks factual evidence.
There is no available information to back the claim that bandits have captured the local government.
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