Bandits Kill 17 In Katsina

Not fewer than 17 people were killed on Thursday in attacks by bandits in Kankara local government area of Katsina State.

Efforts to speak with the state police spokesman, ASP Sadiq Aliyu, failed at the time of filling this report, but residents said the hoodlums attacked a commercial vehicle near Dan Marke village along Kankara – Marabar Kankara road while returning from a market.

They said five persons were killed on the spot, including the driver who was identified as Dan Mashi, while several others were injured.

Two passengers were abducted including the son of the driver.

Elsewhere in the area, seven farmers were reportedly killed in their farms at Katsalle community near Mabai, in the same Kankara local government area.

Residents said earlier in the week the bandits had killed three farmers in their farms as they vowed not allow them to cultivate their farms this season.

Two persons were also reported killed at Unguwar Daudun Noma when bandits attacked a vehicle.

Governor Umaru Radda in his May 29 one year anniversary statement lamented activities of bandits in the state despite government’s efforts in establishing community watch corps and providing the needed logistics to complement security agencies in the fight.

He, however, reaffirmed his government’s commitment and continued collaboration with security agencies to taking measures to arrest the situation in spite of the difficulties associated with it.