Bandits Attack Wedding Convoy, Kill 2, Abducted Guests In Katsina

Suspected bandits have reportedly attacked a wedding convoy in Unguwar Nagunda community, Kankara local government area of Katsina State, killing at least two persons and injuring several others, including the bride, amid ongoing efforts by the state government to consolidate what it described as an “existing peace” deal with repentant bandits.

The attack, which occurred on Sunday night, also led to the abduction of an unspecified number of wedding guests, according to local sources.

A security source revealed on Monday that residents heard heavy gunfire and were thrown into panic when the assailants stormed the community.

“As of this morning, families are still trying to confirm how many people were abducted,” the source said.

The incident comes at a sensitive time as the Katsina State Government was concluding plans to secure the release of 70 detained suspects linked to banditry-related offences, a move officials said was part of confidence-building measures under a peace agreement with armed groups operating in parts of the state.

LEADERSHIP had reported that Katsina State’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Muazu, while reacting to public concerns, defended the decision to approve the release of the suspects, describing it as a strategic step aimed at sustaining peace across insecurity-prone communities.

Speaking during an interview with DCL Hausa, Muazu said the releases were agreed upon by affected local government areas and repentant bandits as part of a broader peace accord involving at least 15 LGAs of the State.

According to him, the initiative has already yielded results, including the release of about 1,000 persons previously abducted during bandit attacks.

“The release of the 70 suspects is similar to what happens during wars, where warring parties exchange prisoners as a way of consolidating peace,” Muazu said.

The government’s explanation followed widespread reactions to a leaked memo indicating that legal steps had been initiated to facilitate the release of the suspects, many of whom were facing criminal trials.

The memo, first reported by Sahara Reporters, was dated January 2, 2026, marked “Secret,” and issued by the Katsina State Ministry of Justice to the Chief Judge of the State.

Signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Abdur-Rahman Umar, the letter sought the intervention of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) to enable the release of the detainees.

It revealed that a list of 48 individuals accused of various banditry-related offences had been forwarded to the Ministry of Justice by the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs as part of the peace agreement.

While some of the suspects had been arraigned before the Federal High Court, most were still awaiting trial at Magistrate Courts across the state.

In a separate submission, the ministry also forwarded another list of about 22 inmates standing trial before different High Courts, urging that they be released under the same arrangement.

The ministry maintained that the action was backed by Section 371(2) of the Katsina State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2021, which empowers the ACJMC to take such measures.

Muazu further disclosed that the peace deal had led to the release of abducted persons in several local government areas, including Sabuwa, Bakori, Danmusa, Dutsinma, Kurfi, Safana, Malumfashi, Faskari, Musawa, Matazu and Jibia.

“For instance, in Sabuwa alone, over 300 persons were released. Bakori recorded 125, Danmusa 60, Dutsinma 62, while other local governments also recorded significant numbers,” he said.

Defending the policy, the commissioner cited precedents from Nigeria’s history and other conflicts, noting that prisoner exchanges were often used as tools for conflict resolution.

“During the Nigerian civil war, prisoners were exchanged between both sides. Even in the Boko Haram conflict, prisoners were released following negotiations, including during the release of the Chibok girls,” he said.

Muazu insisted that the actions of the Ministry of Justice and the courts did not violate any law, adding that those dissatisfied with the decision were free to seek legal redress.

Despite the government’s assurances, the decision has continued to spark debate, with critics warning that releasing suspects accused of serious crimes could undermine justice and embolden criminal groups, while supporters argue that sustainable peace can only be achieved through dialogue and compromise.