Bandits Invade Katsina Villages, Kill 58

No fewer than 58 people were killed recently in some communities of Safana and Dustin-ma local government areas of Katsina State during an attack by bandits, our correspondent gathered yesterday.
Residents of the communities protested over the killing to show their displeasure over the activities of the bandits at the start of the farming season.

A resident of Dutsin-ma said the recent attacks in Sanawa, Kwari Mai Zurfi, Tasha Mangoro and Unguwar Banzan villages led to the death of about 29 people.

“The bandits took several hours carrying out the raid that led to the death of 29 people in the villages, they came back the following day and killed one other person,” he said.

In Safana local government area, the lawmaker representing the area who is also the deputy speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Abdul-jiili Haruna Runka, said; “The bandits invaded Safana about three to five days ago but security personnel and men of the community watch corps confronted and forced them out.

“This made the bandits to regroup and attack again to kill about 23 people. The 23 persons were just buried, six from Kunamawa Alhaji Sale and 17 others from the main Kunamawa town.

“As I speak, they have attacked Runka village and about five persons were killed. They started the attack from the farms and attempted to enter the town but God helped our vigilante members, security watch and the security personnel to stop them.”

The state police command was yet to make an official statement on the attacks at press time.