Fear swept through Sabon Layi community in Kakumi Ward of Bakori LGA, Katsina State, after bandits carried out a late-night attack and took away 15 people, mostly women, children and infants.
A resident said the raid happened around 9:45pm last Thursday when armed men stormed the area, focusing on homes linked to a man known as Aliyu and his younger brother.
Another source said the attackers came with a clear plan. They split into two groups—one group acted like they were stealing two cows, 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 raising alarm.
By the time villagers noticed the cattle had been taken, it was already too late. Only later did they realise people had also been abducted.
The bandits reportedly fled through Mununu village in neighbouring Faskari LGA, a known escape route.
Local security volunteers tried to go after them but failed, as the attackers had already gone far.
Some of those taken were infants.
Sources linked the attack to a known bandit leader, Kwashen Garwa, despite reports he had joined a peace deal months ago.
Meanwhile, bandits have also placed a N10 million levy on some communities in Faskari and Bakori, warning farmers not to work unless they pay.
“We don’t go to them; they come to us. Now they have placed a levy that we don’t even know how to pay. Government should please come to our aid. What we need is a permanent solution, not a temporary one,” a resident said.
