Over 20 people have been confirmed dead after a fresh wave of attacks by bandits in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The killings occurred in separate raids on several farming communities over the past week. The victims include at least 20 farmers, three local residents, and one member of the community’s watch corps known as C’watch.

Local sources confirmed that six days ago, armed bandits stormed villages including Yargoje, Kwakware, Danmarke, Gidan Dawa, and Burdugau. The attackers reportedly killed farmers working on their lands and kidnapped several others. Livestock used for farming was also taken by the criminals.

A resident, speaking anonymously, said, “They killed about 20 farmers, kidnapped some and rustled the animals with which they tilled their farms.”

These farming communities have suffered similar attacks in the past, but locals say the violence has worsened. According to another source, on Monday, bandits struck Marmara village in the same local government area. The attackers ambushed members of the community watch corps and civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) outside the village.

During the confrontation, one C’watch operative was killed and two civilian JTF members were injured. The attackers then moved into the village itself and killed three residents.

Kidnappings Continue as Bandits Exploit Security Gaps

Residents confirmed that on the same Monday night, the assailants raided communities east of Kwakware. The exact number of people kidnapped is still unknown. Animals were also taken during this raid.

Some community members believe that the bandits are taking advantage of selective peace deals across neighbouring local government areas. One Kankara resident explained that agreements with bandits in certain places could make other areas more vulnerable.

He said, “So long as there will be a peace agreement in one place and not in all other affected areas, there is every tendency that the bandits will strike where they are not in peace with.”

Police Rescue Victims During Separate Kidnap Attempt in Sabuwa

In a different incident, the Katsina State Police Command reported that it rescued four victims from a kidnapping attempt in Mazare village, Sabuwa Local Government Area. Among those rescued were three females and a baby girl.

Police spokesperson DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu said the attempted kidnap took place at about 9 p.m. on Tuesday. Two people, identified as Sa’idu Isa, 37, and Sa’idu Wa’alam, 61, were shot and injured during the attack.

Aliyu explained that officers from the Sabuwa Division responded immediately. The Divisional Police Officer led a team to the scene, where a gun battle broke out. The bandits fled after coming under intense gunfire from the police.

“The injured victims were immediately rushed to the hospital for medical attention, where they are receiving and responding to treatment,” Aliyu said.

Despite these rescue efforts, many residents across Katsina continue to live in fear. Several farming communities have been deserted as families flee to safer areas, leaving their crops and homes behind.

Rate, Like 👍, Comment, share this article and Follow us on our social media handles.