By Paul Joseph
Suspected bandits have abducted more than a dozen women and girls, including breastfeeding mothers and infants, in Katsina State.
The attack occurred late Friday night, April 30, 2026, around 9:45 p.m. in Sabon Layi community, located in Bakori Local Government Area.
Residents said the number of victims is estimated at 15 or more, with some babies taken alongside their mothers during the raid.
According to local sources, the gunmen stormed the area and targeted specific households belonging to a man identified as Mallam Aliyu and his younger brother.
The attackers reportedly rounded up the victims swiftly before fleeing into a nearby forest.
Efforts by local security operatives to rescue the abducted individuals were unsuccessful, as the assailants had already escaped with their captives.
The incident has triggered fresh concerns among residents, who lamented the worsening security situation and called on government and security agencies to urgently intervene.
The attack comes despite recent peace agreements reportedly reached between some local authorities and bandit groups in parts of the state.
While the deals were initially welcomed by officials and traditional leaders, violent attacks including killings, kidnappings, and cattle rustling have continued in several communities.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force in the state had yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
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