Bandits kill 1, abduct many in Katsina community

One person was killed and several others abducted in a raid on Gidan Sarki, under Tugen Zuri Ward of Musawa Local Government Area of Katsina State, on Monday.

The attack occurred despite an existing peace deal between Musawa local authorities and bandits operating in the area.

A resident, who pleaded anonymity, described the incident as deadly, saying women and young girls were abducted by the assailants. He called on authorities to deploy special security forces to secure the area.

“Our people were terrified. Many were wounded and are currently hospitalised, while others were dispossessed of their belongings. I think something needs to be done to reassure people of their safety,” he said.

Another resident of a community close to the affected village, Gidan Sarki, who also declined to be named, said aside from the killing, abductions and injuries, the attackers carted away motorcycles, phones and other valuables.

The resident added that despite the recent peace deal, parts of the local government area—especially southern Musawa, across communities sharing borders with Malumfashi—have continued to witness intermittent attacks.

Confirming the incident to Daily Trust in Katsina, the Chairman of Musawa Local Council, Aliyu Idris Gin-Gin, said the attackers infiltrated the area from Zamfara State and launched the assault on the community.

He, however, said only one person was killed, contrary to earlier reports on some platforms suggesting that several residents were killed.

The council chairman also said seven people sustained varying degrees of injuries but did not specify the number of residents abducted.

“I can confirm that the attack occurred, and this is not peculiar to Musawa or Katsina State alone. In addition, it is too early for me to confirm the number of people abducted because information is still coming in,” he said.

Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu Danmusa, said pockets of attacks, especially in isolated communities, could still occur despite the peace deal with bandits.

As part of a peace deal with armed groups, the state government had announced plans to release 70 bandits. But critics faulted the move, saying it is reckless and a danger to national security.

Danmusa cautioned against negative comments on the current amnesty programme, insisting it remains the best option considering the commitments of repentant bandits.

“Let me say that no matter what anyone says, you are aware that the other side has fulfilled its part of the deal. What remains is for local communities to facilitate and actualise their own part,” he said.

He added, “We cannot afford to do anything that could jeopardise the fragile peace we are currently enjoying. People need to be extra careful in handling the situation to avoid another cycle of violence.”

Danmusa also maintained that the Katsina State Government remains committed to collaborating with neighbouring states to tackle banditry and other criminal activities in the region, calling on the media to support the campaign.

Musawa is one of the local government areas in Katsina State that has suffered years of banditry, resulting in loss of lives, mass displacement of residents, cattle rustling and abductions for ransom, among other challenges.

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