- Bandits killed nine residents during a late-night attack in Dandume, Katsina State.
- Thirteen people were injured, while several homes were thrown into panic.
- Ten villagers were abducted, but nine were later released.
- Attack happened months after a peace deal with repentant bandits.
At least nine people have been killed and 13 others injured after suspected bandits launched a deadly night attack in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State, raising fresh concerns over the collapse of recent peace agreements in the region.
Gunmen believed to be bandits struck Kauran Fawa, Unguwar Jika, and nearby villages in Dandume LGA late on Thursday night, catching residents off guard while most families had already retired indoors.
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A local resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said the attackers abandoned their motorcycles in nearby bushes and entered the communities on foot before opening fire to signal their arrival.
“They started shooting sporadically to announce themselves. By the time they left, nine people were dead and 13 others were badly injured. The injured victims were rushed to hospital for treatment,” the resident said.
According to the source, the bandits also abducted 10 villagers during the raid, but persistent pressure from local security operatives forced them to release most of the captives.
“They released them one after the other. Only one person is still with them as we speak, while the remaining nine have returned home,” he added.
Confirming the incident, Chairman of Dandume Local Government, Hon. Bishir Gyazama, said five of the victims had already been buried in line with Islamic traditions.
“I personally attended the burial of five people who were killed by the bandits,” Gyazama said.
He expressed deep concern that the attack occurred barely five months after a peace agreement was reached with repentant bandits, a deal that had brought relative calm to the area.
“For five months, we enjoyed peace. There were no attacks. Before then, these communities were attacked almost daily. This incident is a painful setback,” he lamented, adding that new security measures have been activated to prevent further violence.
The latest killings come less than a week after bandits attacked communities in Faskari, Funtua, and Matazu LGAs, where two people were killed and dozens abducted.
The resurgence of violence also follows a recent peace deal that led to the release of over 1,000 abducted victimsacross several security-challenged local governments in Katsina State.
