The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has issued a Save Our Soul (SOS) appeal to authorities, urging urgent intervention to rescue residents of Sukuntuni and surrounding communities in Kankiya Local Government Area of Katsina State following threats from suspected bandits.
In a statement released on April 8, 2026, Executive Director of the group, Ishaq Akintola, disclosed that panic has gripped the affected communities after a letter allegedly sent by bandits demanded 700 cows and 1,000 sheep as ransom to avert invasion. The ultimatum, reportedly issued on April 6, gave residents until Friday, April 10, to comply.
According to MURIC, the threat triggered a mass exodus, with hundreds of residents, predominantly Muslims, fleeing Sukuntuni and nearby areas including Musawa, Chuga and Matazu in search of safety.
The group said it had obtained a video showing displaced persons trekking under distress, describing the situation as heartbreaking and dire.
The organization called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize the worsening insecurity across the country, warning that communities in northern Nigeria continue to face relentless attacks. It also challenged the nation’s defence leadership to intensify efforts in protecting vulnerable populations.
MURIC further emphasized that banditry and terrorism in Nigeria are not targeted at any single religious group, noting that both Muslims and Christians have been victims of violent attacks. The group described the crisis as criminality driven by opportunism rather than religious motives.
Citing constitutional provisions, MURIC stressed that ensuring the security and welfare of citizens remains the primary responsibility of government, and urged swift action to prevent further displacement and loss of lives in the affected communities.
2026-04-10