Suspected bandits have launched a deadly attack on Gidan Sarki community in Tuge Ward of Musawa Local Government Area, Katsina State, killing several residents and abducting more than 20 others.
The violent invasion occurred on Monday, throwing the community and surrounding areas into fear and chaos.
During the raid, the attackers also made away with a large number of livestock.
Following the assault, entire families including women, children and the elderly were forced to flee their homes.
Many displaced residents are now reportedly taking refuge in forests, graveyards, abandoned wells, on rooftops and under trees, fearing further attacks.
The incident was confirmed on Tuesday by a security alert platform, Bakatsine, which noted that the attack took place despite an existing peace agreement allegedly reached between Musawa Local Government stakeholders and armed groups operating in the area.
According to the alert, the latest violence highlights the fragility and apparent failure of such peace deals, as communities that were assured of safety continue to come under brutal attacks.
Residents said several people were killed during the invasion, while more than 20 others were taken to unknown locations. However, the exact number of casualties could not be independently verified as many villagers have fled and security access to the area remains limited.
Community members expressed deep anger and frustration over the continued bloodshed, questioning the logic behind ongoing peace agreements with armed groups that persistently terrorise civilians.
The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents in Katsina State, where banditry, mass abductions and killings have continued despite repeated assurances by authorities that security has improved.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Katsina State government nor the police had issued an official statement on the attack or on efforts to rescue those abducted.
