A fresh wave of banditry has struck Katsina State as armed attackers killed one person, injured several others, and abducted 31 residents—including women and infants—in Shuwaki community, Bakori Local Government Area.
The attack, which occurred on Saturday night, lasted for nearly two hours, leaving the community in distress. According to a former Chairman of Bakori LGA, Aminu Magaji, the gunmen invaded the village between 9:00 p.m. and 9:45 p.m., operating without interruption.
Magaji disclosed that the assailants killed one resident, wounded at least seven others, and abducted dozens, most of whom were women and children.
He further revealed that one of the kidnapped women was later abandoned near Doma Village after becoming too weak to continue, while 31 victims remain in captivity.
In addition to the abductions, the attackers reportedly looted livestock, including cattle and sheep, and carted away mobile phones belonging to residents, including devices collected at local charging centres.
Security agencies, including the police, military, and members of the Katsina Community Watch Corps, were alerted during the attack and launched a joint response.
However, they were unable to intercept the bandits or rescue the victims before the attackers fled.
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Residents say the incident is part of a troubling pattern of recurring attacks in the area. Communities such as Unguwar Dogo and Alhazawa have also experienced similar assaults in recent weeks, resulting in injuries, livestock theft, and mass displacement.
Local sources report that persistent insecurity has forced many families to abandon their homes, while those who remain live in constant fear.
Farming activities have also been severely disrupted, as repeated cattle rustling continues to deprive farmers of essential resources for cultivation.
Meanwhile, in Plateau State, tensions remain high following the killing of a former councillor in Riyom Local Government Area during a separate late-night attack.
The Berom Youth Moulders Association condemned the incident, alleging that suspected armed attackers invaded Torok community and fatally shot the victim before fleeing.
The group has called on security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice and urged the government to take decisive action against rising insecurity in affected regions.
As insecurity persists across parts of northern Nigeria, residents continue to call for stronger and more proactive measures to protect lives and livelihoods.
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