Suspected bandits have launched coordinated night attacks on several communities in Katsina State, killing and injuring residents while abducting others.
The attacks occurred on Monday night when heavily armed assailants stormed the affected areas, operating for hours and unleashing terror on local residents.
According to a security alert shared on Tuesday by Katsina-based security expert, Malam Bakatsine, the attackers invaded Unguwar Alhaji Barau, Gidan Dan Mai-gizo, and Gidan Hazo communities, all located in Na’alma Ward of Malumfashi Local Government Area.
Residents were reportedly caught unawares as the gunmen moved from house to house, shooting sporadically, inflicting injuries, and abducting an unspecified number of people. As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of casualties and abductees remained unclear.
Katsina State has continued to be one of the epicentres of banditry and violent attacks in Nigeria’s North-West region, despite repeated assurances by government authorities and security agencies that efforts are underway to restore peace.
Security agencies were yet to issue an official statement on the latest attacks.
Meanwhile, The News Chronicle had earlier reported a similar incident in Unguwar Daudu community, Dukke Ward of Funtua Local Government Area, where terrorists attacked on Sunday night, January 4.
During that attack, two residents were injured while no fewer than 20 others were abducted.
Confirming the Funtua incident on Monday, Bakatsine noted that the attack occurred despite several peace agreements recently brokered between local authorities and armed groups operating in the area.
Funtua is among several local government areas in Katsina State that have suffered repeated assaults by armed groups, leaving residents exposed to frequent kidnappings, killings, and displacement.
