Tension is mounting in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State following a peaceful protest staged by residents over the weekend to condemn the relentless attacks by armed bandits on villages in the area.

Naijaonpoint reports that the protest, which drew scores of concerned locals, was aimed at demanding urgent intervention from authorities as communities continue to suffer killings, kidnappings, and displacement at the hands of criminal gangs.

Though the protest reportedly ended without violence, casualties, or destruction of property, residents say the police have since launched a clampdown, allegedly going from house to house in search of those who participated or helped organise the demonstration.

Among those said to be targeted is a well-known social media personality in the area, Anas Muhammad Game.

Sources who spoke to SaharaReporters said police operatives stormed his residence but did not find him.

Instead, they reportedly arrested his younger brother, who was later released.

‘The Police Are After Us’ – Residents Cry Out

“So there was a peaceful protest, and later the police were going from house to house to arrest the protesters. Now they are trying to arrest the popular social media guy in the local government, one Anas Muhammad Game,” a resident told the news platform.

“The police went to his house and arrested his younger brother, but they later released him. So the guy is now in trouble as the police are trying to arrest him. During the protest, there was no loss of life, no injury, and no property destruction.”

Another resident expressed deep concern over what they described as police harassment, urging human rights groups and the media to intervene.

“We protested peacefully because we are tired of the killings and kidnappings. Now the police are turning against us instead of protecting us,” the resident said.

Naijaonpoint understands, however, that the Katsina State Police Command has not issued any official statement regarding the development as of the time of filing this report.

The incident has sparked outrage among civil society actors online, with many accusing the authorities of using state machinery to suppress voices demanding security and accountability.

Bakori, like many parts of Katsina and Nigeria’s North-West, has witnessed recurring banditry and mass abductions, forcing residents to live in fear while lamenting a lack of decisive government response.