Bandits, in their numbers, ransacked Maidabino, the third largest town in Danmusa local government area of Katsina state, where they killed nine people and abducted 50 others, mostly women and children.

A resident, who confided in our reporter, said the attackers operated for several hours unchallenged due to their large number.

He said 10 houses, 15 shops and nine vehicles were burnt down by the marauding terrorists who were in the town from 10pm on Saturday till about 2.30am on Sunday.

“What happened was that some traders who were returning from Yantumaki market on Friday, about 30 vehicles, who were going in a convoy with a military escort, had to return and pass the night in Danmusa, because they could not proceed to Maidabino as they encountered bandits along the way.

“In the encounter, some bandits were killed by the military escort. Unfortunately, the bandits mobilized a large number from Zamfara and other places, to the extent that the soldiers that are in Maidabino could not avert the attack,” another source, while confirming the attack has said.

Katsina in recent days and weeks had witnessed a resurgence of deadly bandits’ attacks, especially in the frontline local government areas of Kankara, Danmusa and others.

Police spokesman in Katsina, Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, who confirmed the incident to members of the press said investigation was ongoing into the matter as further developments would be communicated in due course.

Aliyu, however, said seven people were killed during the attack.

Daily Trust