Bandits have abducted 15 people, mostly women and children, during a night attack on Sabon Layi community in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Residents said the attack happened around 9:45 p.m. on Thursday when armed men invaded homes belonging to a man identified as Aliyu and his younger brother. The attackers were said to have operated in a planned way, splitting into two groups to carry out the operation.
Sources explained that one group pretended to steal cattle, while the other quietly entered the community and kidnapped several people. Both groups later escaped in different directions without firing any gunshots, likely to avoid drawing attention.
The victims, including infants, were taken through Mununu village in Faskari Local Government Area, a route often used by bandits. Local security volunteers and vigilante groups tried to rescue them, but their efforts failed as the attackers had already fled.
Some residents believe the attack may be linked to a known bandit leader, Kwashen Garwa, despite an earlier peace agreement that had brought some calm to the area.
In a related development, bandits have imposed a ₦10 million levy on farming communities in Bakori and Faskari areas, warning that farmers will not be allowed to work on their lands if they fail to pay. Residents of affected villages have expressed fear and called on the state government to urgently provide protection, while no official statement has yet been issued by security authorities.