Bandits and kidnappers have launched multiple attacks in Katsina, Niger and Taraba states, killed many people, injured dozens and abducted over 80 others, including women and children.
In Katsina, at least 10 people were reportedly killed and dozens injured when bandits attacked Unguwar Sarki of Shema Village in Faskari Local Government Area at night on Wednesday.
It was learnt that the bandits in large numbers attacked the community at about 11 pm and operated for hours before they left in the early hours of Thursday.
A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said corpses of nine men killed during the night raid in Shema Village were found when the attackers left, while the body of the 10th victim was found Thursday morning.
He added that the gunmen also injured scores of people, rustled animals and carted household items, including foodstuff and money.
The deceased were buried yesterday, while the injured have been moved to the hospital for medical attention.
Another source in the area said there were concerns that the number of people killed might be more than 10 as the whereabouts of many villagers could not be ascertained.
He said headcount of the community members was ongoing to get an idea about those missing.
“And from what we have seen so far, there are concerns that more people might have lost their lives following the incident; probably they have been killed while fleeing to safety.”
He added that security personnel had been deployed to the village while some residents had reportedly fled the community and took refuge at the headquarters of the local government.
Spokesperson for Katsina State Police Command, Gambo Isah, told our correspondent last night that they were yet to get details of the attack.
On his part, Ibrahim Katsina, who is the Special Adviser to Governor Aminu Masari on security matters, told our reporter on the telephone that they were closely working with traditional rulers to ascertain the veracity of the attack.
Over 50 people abducted in Niger communities
Reports from Niger State in North Central indicated that over 50 people were abducted by bandits in Bassa community in Shiroro Local Government Area on Thursday.
The incident according to sources took place when bandits stormed the village on motorcycles brandishing weapons.
It was learnt that the locals were getting set for the day when their activities were disrupted by the bandits causing them to run to the bush for safety. Co-convener, Concerned Shiroro Youths, Sani Abubakar Kokki confirmed the attack.
He described the gunmen as terrorists and wondered why they attacked “unsuspecting peaceful, unarmed and defenceless people without any provocation.”
Kokki, who said over 50 people have been abducted, also disclosed that on Tuesday, some communities in Bassa/Kokki were attacked and the people suffered losses.
He said that the Shiroro Local Government Area was in dire need of help as they continued to live at the mercy of bandits.
Elsewhere in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State, the bandits also on Thursday stormed Avu community in Gupa- Abugi Ward. The gunmen according to sources, attacked the community and opened fire on people who were scampering for safety.
One person was reportedly killed in the process while six others were kidnapped.
A member of the community, Idris Musa Avu, while narrating the incidence said “The gunmen arrived the village around 1 am in large numbers and upon seeing them, people started running for safety as they were shooting sporadically. One person was killed and six people were kidnapped.”
Musa added that members of the vigilante group in the village tried to repel the attack but could not get police backup while the siege lasted.
When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Abiodun Wasiu, said he would get back to our reporter when he gets the details of the incident. He was yet to give an update up till the time of filing this report.
A source close to the police said it would be difficult to get any response on the attacks. “The officials would give their side of the story at the appropriate time,” he said.
25 youths kidnapped in Taraba
Unidentified gunmen suspected to be kidnappers abducted 25 youths along Wukari-Takum road at about 6 pm on Wednesday.
Reliable sources in Wukari and Takum told Daily Trust that the 25 youths were on their way back to Takum from Wukari where they attended a marriage ceremony when they ran into a roadblock mounted by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers.
The victims, who are all males, were travelling in a commercial bus and ran into a roadblock at a spot between Kofan Amadu and Chanchangi before the gunmen commandeered the bus into the bush.
A relative of some of the victims, Muhammed Takum, said the victims had attended the wedding ceremony of a friend in Wukari and were abducted while on their way back to Takum.
He said kidnappers and bandits chased from Benue State had regrouped in the forest along Wukari-Takum and Takum-Katsina-Ala roads terrorising innocent travellers.
Another source told our correspondent last night that the abductors had called families of the victims and demanded ransom.
“They confirmed that they are in the custody of all the 25 youths but did not mention the amount to be paid for each of them as ransom,” he said. The source further informed our reporter that the boys of the late notorious bandit, Terwase Akwaza, alias Gana, were responsible for the kidnapping.
“The abductors did not allow relations of the youths to speak with them. They told us that we should not panic as all the 25 youths and their driver are alive, safe and in good health. They said all they want is ransom for each person,” he said.
Spokesperson of Taraba Police command, David Misal, had earlier on Thursday confirmed the incident.
“We confirmed that they are missing but not established either kidnapped or otherwise. An investigation has commenced,” he said.
Daily Trust
