Bandits have kidnapped over 80 civilians at Yar-Malamai in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.
This is coming 24 hours after 200 bandits invaded a military camp and killed five soldiers in the area.
A resident of the area revealed that the gunmen also looted shops and set houses ablaze during the invasion which lasted for about 10 hours.
“The bandits attacked the community again, looting shops, burning houses and vehicles, and abducted many residents just hours after the soldiers left,” the resident said.
Aa anonymous government official said the series of attacks had forced residents to flee the town.
“At the moment, only six houses are left standing in Yar-Malamai. The bandits kidnapped about 80 people, mostly women, and looted foodstuffs and other valuables.
“We are devastated and in dire need of food and shelter. We urge the government to assist us in any way possible.
“After the killing of some soldiers and a vigilante with others injured, the security operatives abandoned the area, and within a few hours, the bandits returned, burning houses and vehicles, and abducting women.
“Now, only six houses remain, and just one vehicle out of eight was not set ablaze,” he stated.
“We have reported the issue to our principals. We need the soldiers to come back and protect us,” he said.
The state government has not reacted to the development as of the time of filing this report.
