Heavily armed bandits on Friday stormed the Dan-Ali community in Danmusa local government area of Katsina State, disrupting Juma’at prayers at several mosques.
Eyewitnesses said that the bandits who were armed with dangerous weapons arrived in large numbers, firing sporadically and caused panic among worshippers.
A local source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated that the attack might not be unconnected with the arrest and detention by the security operatives, of a suspected informant, Aisha Bala, a middle-aged woman from the community.
The source however commended the Katsina Security Watch Corps for standing up to the hoodlums by chasing them away, while pleading with the authorities to provide reinforcement to ensure security in the community.
“The bandits invaded our community during Jummat prayers, and everyone had to flee as they started shooting. Thanks to the Security Watch Corps who chased them away, but we still need more reinforcements in the area. The situation is getting out of control,” said the source.
For over a week, residents of Dan-Ali and neighbouring villages, including Gwarjo, Dangane, Tudun, Tasha Kadanya, and Tasha Biri, have been unable to access their farms due to the bandits’ presence.
Many farmers have been reportedly kidnapped and this has thrown the community in a state of fear.
The Yantumaki-Kankara road, a known trouble spot in Katsina, remains one of the most affected areas, with bandits carrying out regular attacks.
The Katsina State Police Command has not made official statement on the incident.
