Suspected bandits have reportedly killed four residents and abducted at least 45 others in a late-night attack on Maikuma village in the Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The attackers, reportedly numbering over 100 and riding motorcycles, stormed the community late Sunday night, armed with automatic weapons. Eyewitnesses said the gunmen operated for several hours, moving from house to house before escaping into the forest with dozens of captives.
Although the Katsina State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement, the Chairman of Dandume LGA, Basiru Musa, confirmed the incident.
“The bandits came in large numbers, possibly over 100. Their aim was clearly to cause as much harm as possible. They killed four people and abducted around 43 residents, though some reports suggest the number could be 45 or more,” Musa said.
Musa disclosed that he had alerted the Divisional Police Officer and the local military commander after receiving intelligence about a potential attack. Despite their swift response, security operatives were unable to pursue the attackers beyond their jurisdiction.
He decried the recurring nature of such attacks and called on security agencies to strengthen surveillance and protection in vulnerable communities across the state.
The incident comes amid ongoing efforts by the Katsina State Government to tackle insecurity, including billions of naira reportedly invested in empowering local youths to combat banditry in frontline LGAs.
