No fewer than 17 persons have been reported killed and unconfirmed number also kidnapped when bandits launched deadly attacks on communities in Faskari local government areas of Katsina State.
The attacks which occurred on Monday reportedly targeted Radama, Ungwan Baki, Ungwan Buntu, Mai Daura, and Yar Mai Kakgo communities.
Eyewitnesses reported that the bandits arrived on nearly 50 motorcycles, opening fire indiscriminately and killing the residents.
The source said among the victims killed were local vigilantes who had been working to protect their communities.
Five people were killed in Ungwan Buntu, while several others sustained injuries and were rushed to hospitals for treatment.
The assailants also looted the villages, seizing livestock and abducting an unspecified number of people.
“One unfortunate thing is that the gang leader passed through Dankama village while heading to the Yar-Tsamiya forest,” a source revealed. “The people of Fankama village said they had never seen such a large movement of stolen animals before.”
These latest attacks have once again exposed the persistent insecurity plaguing Katsina State and the wider northern region.
Residents have continued to express frustration over what they perceive as inadequate government action to curb the violence despite repeated attacks over the years.
“The people continue to suffer, facing relentless attacks without any meaningful intervention from the authorities,” a local resident lamented, adding that, “Innocent lives are being lost, yet the necessary security measures remain elusive.”
The incidents have sparked renewed calls for urgent action from the Katsina State Government.
Concerned citizens are urging Governor Dikko Umaru Radda to implement decisive strategies to protect lives and property.
“Security is the foundation of any functioning society. Without it, people cannot thrive,” a community leader stated. “The government must act now to prevent further loss of innocent lives.”
Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), Katsina State Command, Sadiq Abubakar could not respond to the text message sent to him to confirm the attack as at the time of filing this report.
As Katsina State continues to grapple with rising insecurity, residents remain hopeful that the authorities will take swift action to restore peace and stability to the state.
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