Katsina under siege: Bandits kill one, abduct 31 in fresh attack

Armed bandits have intensified attacks on communities in Katsina State, killing one resident, injuring at least seven others and abducting 31 people in the latest assault on Shuwaki community in Bakori Local Government Area, raising fresh concerns over worsening insecurity and mass displacement.

The attack, which occurred on Saturday night, according to Premium Times, is the latest in a string of raids targeting communities in Bakori, where residents have faced repeated killings, kidnappings and livestock theft in recent weeks.

Former Chairman of Bakori Local Government Area, Aminu Magaji, said the attackers invaded Shuwaki between 9 p.m. and 9:45 p.m., operating for nearly two hours. He said the gunmen killed one person, wounded at least seven others, rustled cattle and sheep, and abducted 32 residents.

According to him, the attackers later released one of the abducted women near Doma village after she became too ill to continue the trek into the forest, leaving 31 people still in captivity. Most of the remaining hostages are women, some reportedly carrying infants.

Magaji said security agencies were alerted while the attack was underway. He explained that police officers, soldiers and members of the Katsina Community Watch Corps mobilised in an attempt to intercept the attackers but failed to rescue the victims or prevent their escape.

He added that the assailants also stole residents’ mobile phones and devices from charging centres, while no ransom demand or communication had been received from the kidnappers as of the time of his interview.

The latest raid followed attacks on Unguwar Dogo and Alhazawa communities, where residents were injured and livestock stolen. Local sources said repeated attacks since late July have forced many families to flee their homes for safer areas, while others remain gripped by fear.

The renewed violence comes days after a major confrontation between suspected bandits and security forces in Guga community, where the Katsina State Government said more than 40 suspected bandits were killed during a reprisal attack involving over 200 assailants.

Community leaders warned that the persistent attacks are threatening farming activities during the rainy season, as repeated cattle rustling has deprived many farmers of the animals used for cultivation.

They called on the Federal Government, Katsina State Government and security agencies to strengthen security across the affected communities, warning that continued attacks could trigger further displacement and deepen the humanitarian and economic crisis in the area.

The Katsina State Police Command had yet to officially comment on the latest attack or provide an update on efforts to rescue the abducted victims as of the time of filing this report.