Some unknown gunmen, suspected to be bandits invaded a Katsina community and kidnapped, at least, 26 people. Witnesses say the attack, which happened in Runka community, just a few kilometres away from the dreaded Rugu Forest, which is known over the years to harbour criminals, saw a group of armed people fully clad in Hijab attack and shoot sporadically in the air before making away with their victims.
The witnesses also told reporters that they believe the attack was made possible by informants in the community who they believe briefed the attackers on the movement of security personnel around the area.
“During the attack, one of the bandits was overheard having a telephone conversation with an unknown informant telling him that, ‘Today, we’ve come to your hometown’,” a witness said.
Narrating how the attack happened, the witness said “The bandits killed nobody in the community except one person who was shot and injured after he attempted to run. As I am speaking to you, he has been hospitalized.
“They abducted at least 25 people because even among my relatives, twelve persons were kidnapped.
“There was no security personnel presence during the attack which lasted for hours until after the incident when an armored personnel carrier attached with some police personnel was deployed to patrol the area.
“The bandits stationed themselves everywhere in the community. They moved from house to house, breaking and burgling the entrances and taking the occupants to the forest.
The chairman of Safana Local Government Area, responding to queries said 22 persons were abducted though some have managed to escape.
“The DPO Safana has deployed and stationed his team alongside soldiers to the area and they have already commenced a rescue operation,” he said.
The police, however, are yet to comment on the report.
