Bandits have ransacked Maidabino, the third largest town in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing nine people and abducting 50 others, mostly women and children.
A resident disclosed that the attackers operated for several hours unchallenged due to their large number, burning over 10 houses, 15 shops, and at least nine vehicles from 10 pm on Saturday till about 2.30 am on Sunday.
The attack followed an earlier encounter on Friday where traders returning from Yantumaki market, escorted by military personnel, had to turn back and spend the night in Danmusa after encountering bandits.
During the encounter, some bandits were killed by the military escort, leading to the subsequent raid as bandits mobilized reinforcements from Zamfara and other areas.
Recent weeks have seen a resurgence of bandit attacks in Katsina, especially in frontline local government areas like Kankara and Danmusa.
Police spokesman ASP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu confirmed the incident, stating that seven people were killed and that an investigation is ongoing.
