Again, bandits invade Katsina community, kill 5, abduct 5

Bandits in their numbers have again attacked Sayaya community in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing at least five people.

The incident, which took place in the early hours of Tuesday, came barely 24 hours after the attack on Maulud gathering where at least 25 persons were reportedly killed.

Matazu and Musawa are neighbouring local government where some of the victims of the Maulud gathering attack came from.

A resident of Sayaya, who said his father was among those killed, told newsmen that the attackers conducted house-to-house raid in the community, killing five and abducting several others.

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He said the terrorists also rustled domestic animals and carted away other valuables during the operation.

In a statement confirming the incident, the police spokesman in Katsina, ASP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, said, “On November 6, 2023, at about 0055 hours, bandits in their numbers, wielding weapons such as AK-47 rifles and shooting sporadically, attacked Sayaya village, Matazu LGA, Katsina State.

“Upon receipt of the report, immediately, operatives were mobilised to the scene, where they engaged the bandits in a gun duel and succeeded in repelling the attack.

“However, five people were shot dead, two injured, and five people kidnapped by the assailants. The injured were rushed to the hospital for immediate medical attention.

“The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, while condoling with the families of those affected by the attack, urged members of the public with information that will aid the investigation to come forward and assist the investigation as efforts are being intensified to ensure the safe rescue of the kidnapped victims and the arrest of the perpetrators of the dastardly act. Further development will be communicated in due course,” the statement added.

Bandits attacks is on the increase lately in Katsina State despite the introduction of the community watch corps by the state government as a measure to curb the menace.