Bandits Abduct 15 in Katsina, Demand N10m from Farmers

In a late-night attack on Thursday, no fewer than 15 individuals, including women and infants, were abducted by bandits in the Sabon Layi Community of Kakumi Ward, Bakori Local Government Area, Katsina State. The incident occurred around 9:45 PM when armed assailants targeted households, dividing themselves into two groups.

One group reportedly engaged in cattle rustling, while the other infiltrated the community to carry out the abductions. The gunmen escaped without firing shots, avoiding attracting attention.

The attack is believed to be linked to notorious bandit leader Kwashen Garwa, who was part of a peace agreement reached months earlier, which had led to a period of relative calm in the area. Local security volunteers and community watch groups mobilized in response, but rescue efforts were unsuccessful as the assailants had already retreated.

Among those abducted were several minors, including infants.