Bandits disguised in hijabs, also known as abayas, kidnapped 26 people, primarily women and children, in an attack on the Runka community in Safana Local Government Area, Katsina State.
The attack occurred on Saturday night at around 10:00 p.m., just a few kilometers from the notorious Rugu Forest, a known hideout for criminals.
A community source told Channels Television via telephone on Monday that the assailants invaded the area, firing shots sporadically.
The source attributed the attack to the activities of informants within the community who collaborate with the bandits.
“The bandits killed no one, but one person was shot and injured while trying to escape. He is currently hospitalized. At least 25 people were abducted, including twelve of my relatives,” the source said.
The source also noted the absence of security personnel during the attack, which lasted for hours. It wasn’t until after the incident that an armored personnel carrier and police were deployed to patrol the area.
“The bandits positioned themselves throughout the community, moving from house to house, breaking in and abducting residents to take them to the forest,” the source added. During the attack, one of the bandits was overheard on a phone call with an informant, saying, “Today, we’ve come to your hometown.”
Katsina State police authorities have yet to comment on the incident, and the spokesman for the command, Abubakar Sadiq, did not respond to inquiries from Channels Television. However, Safana Local Government Chairman Abdullahi confirmed the abduction of 22 people, some of whom have since escaped.
“The DPO Safana has deployed and stationed his team alongside soldiers in the area, and they have already commenced a rescue operation,” Abdullahi stated.
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