Bandits Invade Katsina State Again; 5 Killed, Another 5 Kidnaped

Just one day after attacking a community in Katsina state, armed bandits invaded the same state again on Tuesday, killing five people. They also kidnapped five from another community.

The incident happened in Katsina's Matazu region around 1:00 a.m. Tuesday.

Ahmad Ibrahim, a resident, said his father was killed by the bandits. The gunmen arrived on their motorcycles and started firing in the air to create panic. Apart from kidnapping people, the group also took away several domestic animals, Ibrahim revealed.

"They went from house to house looking for domestic animals and other valuables. They've killed five people including my father and wounded others that are now receiving treatment at the hospital," he said, PremiumTimes reported. "While they were going from house to house looking for what to steal, they also took away some people. I can't say how many people have now been taken but they're many people we're yet to see after the attack."

Abubakar Sadik, a police spokesperson, confirmed that five people were abducted and two others suffered injuries when the bandits attacked them.

Sadik said the injured were taken to a hospital immediately for medical care. Police have urged all affected families to come forward and provide more information to assist the investigation.

"Efforts are being intensified to ensure the safe rescue of the kidnapped victims and the arrest of the perpetrators of the dastardly act. Further development will be communicated in due course," he added.

The attack took place barely 24 hours after a group of bandits killed at least nine people and injured 16 others at a religious event in Katsina's Kusa. Katsina State Police Command said Monday that the people were celebrating Maulud in Rugar Kusa village when the bandits stormed into the place.

Nigeria has been dealing with several internal conflicts, including attacks from bandits. In July, at least eight people, including an eight-month-old baby, were killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen in the north-central state of Plateau.

Following the incident, President Bola Tinubu urged all religious leaders, traditional rulers, socio-cultural organizations and communities to join hands to ensure long-lasting peace in the country.