At least seven people were killed and 100 kidnapped on Saturday night when gunmen attacked a rural community in Nigeria’s northwestern Katsina state, according to residents and police on Sunday. This incident marks the latest in a series of violent attacks in the region.
Armed gangs, known locally as bandits, frequently raid communities in the northwest, kidnapping residents, students, and motorists for ransom.
Residents reported that gunmen on motorbikes arrived in Maidabino village in the Danmusa local government area of Katsina, shooting sporadically and causing widespread panic.
Hassan Aliyu, a local resident, told Reuters by phone that the attack took the community by surprise. “They killed seven people, including burning two children,” Aliyu said. “They spent more than six hours destroying our properties.”
Another resident, Auwalu Ismail, recounted that the gunmen blocked all roads leading to Maidabino before launching their assault. “They burnt down our shops, vehicles, and took away our livestock. They also kidnapped my wife and more than 100 women and children,” Ismail said.
Katsina state police spokesperson Abubakar Aliyu Sadiq confirmed the attack and the seven deaths but did not comment on the number of missing individuals. He mentioned that the police were investigating the incident.
“The remaining men who did not flee are living in fear and waiting to hear news about their abducted loved ones,” said Muhammad Sani, whose sister was among those abducted.