Bandits Kill Six, Abduct 59 in Separate Attacks Across Katsina Communities

Bandits Kill Six, Abduct 59 in Separate Attacks Across Katsina Communities

By Hussaini Ibrahim

At least six people have been killed and around 59 others abducted in separate attacks across communities in Katsina State in the past few days.

The most recent attack occurred on Sunday night around 10:30 p.m. in Layin Gara village, Funtua Local Government Area (LGA), where two people were killed and 16 others abducted. A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, reported that the attackers operated for several hours without facing any resistance from security forces or local vigilantes.

Earlier, on Saturday, bandits raided Maikuma village in Dandume LGA, killing four people and kidnapping approximately 43 others. Sources confirmed that the attackers, armed with sophisticated weapons and riding motorcycles, stormed the village in large numbers, moving from house to house for several hours before retreating into the forest with their captives.

Basiru Musa, Chairman of Dandume LGA, confirmed the attack and reported that the assailants numbered more than 100. He described the bandits’ actions as aimed at causing widespread fear and harm, stating, ”

Their goal was to kill and abduct as many people as possible.” Musa noted that while some reports suggest the number of abducted individuals could be as high as 45 or more, the official count stands at 43.

Musa also revealed that when he received intelligence about the potential attack, he promptly alerted both the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and the military unit stationed in the area. However, despite their response, security forces were unable to engage the attackers as they fled into the forest.

The Chairman expressed deep concern over the escalating attacks in the region and urged the government to intensify efforts in combating the growing insecurity.