Rita Odafe
Bandits in Runka community of Safana local government area in Katsina State have abducted 25 individuals, including men, women, and children.
The community members reported that the abductions occurred on Saturday, and some individuals are still missing since they fled into the nearby bushes to evade capture.
Reports indicate that the bandits carried out the abduction without any resistance, moving from house to house and taking occupants with them.
One person who tried to escape during the incident sustained injuries and has been hospitalized.
Local sources suspect that the attack may have had insider assistance from within the community.
The Safana local government chairman, Abdullahi Sani Safana, has confirmed the incident and stated that rescue operations are underway after security agencies were informed of the situation.
While the Katsina State Police Command has not released an official statement, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Safana mentioned that rescue teams have been dispatched in pursuit of the bandits.
These events occurred following a recent su*cide attack in Gwoza, Borno State, amidst a backdrop of increased bandit activities in various parts of Nigeria, particularly in the Northern region.
Amnesty International highlighted that in a 2024 report released on June 27, over 2,600 individuals in Benue and 50 rural communities fell victim to bandit attacks, leading to a significant displacement of farming populations in several areas.
As per Amnesty International, the bandit activities have caused over 80% displacement of farming communities in Agatu, Guma, and Gwer West LGA, preventing them from accessing their farmlands and livelihoods.
