Fresh attacks by armed bandits have left one person dead, at least seven others injured and 31 residents abducted in Shuwaki community, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, highlighting the growing insecurity confronting communities across northern Nigeria.
The Saturday night assault is the latest in a series of violent raids that have rocked Bakori in recent weeks, forcing residents to flee their homes amid repeated killings, kidnappings and livestock theft.
Former Bakori Local Government Chairman, Aminu Magaji, said the attackers stormed Shuwaki between 9:00 p.m. and 9:45 p.m., operating for nearly two hours. During the attack, they killed one resident, injured several others, rustled cattle and sheep, and abducted dozens of villagers.
According to Magaji, one of the abducted women was later released near Doma Village after becoming too ill to continue the journey into the forest. The remaining 31 captives, most of them women, are still being held by the attackers, with reports indicating that some of the victims were carrying infants.
He disclosed that police officers, soldiers and members of the Katsina Community Watch Corps responded after receiving distress calls while the attack was ongoing. However, despite the deployment, security personnel were unable to intercept the gunmen or rescue the abducted residents. The attackers also carted away residents’ mobile phones and devices from charging centres before escaping. As of the time of filing this report, no ransom demand had been received.
The latest incident followed similar attacks on Unguwar Dogo and Alhazawa communities, where residents sustained injuries and livestock were stolen. Community leaders warned that the persistent violence has displaced many families, disrupted farming activities and worsened food security as cattle used for cultivation continue to be stolen.
Meanwhile, fresh violence also erupted in Plateau State, where the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) condemned the killing of a former councillor of Riyom Local Government Area, Daniel Danjuma Chong. The association alleged that suspected armed Fulani attackers and hired bandits invaded Torok community on Sunday night, fatally shooting the former lawmaker before fleeing the area.
In a statement, BYM called on security agencies and the Plateau State Government to arrest those responsible and dismantle criminal hideouts allegedly operating in Bangai-Fulani. The group also renewed its demand for a ban on open grazing, arguing that it has increasingly been exploited as cover for banditry and violent attacks in the state.
In a separate development, there was relief in Kebbi State as Justice Faruku Bunza, who was abducted by bandits a week ago, regained his freedom and returned home safely. His family confirmed the development, expressing gratitude to God, the judiciary, security agencies and residents for their support during his captivity. Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the circumstances surrounding his release.
The latest incidents add to growing concerns over the worsening security situation across northern Nigeria, where communities continue to grapple with recurring attacks, kidnappings and displacement despite ongoing security operations.
