Some yet-to-be-identified bandits have killed no fewer than four farmers and abducted eight others from Nahuta village in Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State, over the weekend.
ASP Abubakar Aliyu who is the spokesman for the Police in the state, while confirming the attack, on Sunday, in Katsina, said the farmers were harvesting their crops when the assailants struck.
One of the farmers who managed to escape received gunshot wounds, he added.
Read Also: Negotiations With Bandits Not An Option – Katsina Gov
‘The suspected bandits attacked the farmers, opened fire on them, thereby killing four and injuring one; they also abducted eight others,’ Aliyu said.
In light of the escalating threats of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping in the state, Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina had a few weeks ago emphasized the need for increased military deployment.
This statement was made during his courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Abuja, on Thursday, October 26, 2023.
According to the Governor, the reason for his visit was to commend the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) for their invaluable assistance in tackling insecurity in Katsina State.
Moreover, he highlighted that his presence at the DHQ was to express appreciation for the AFN’s efforts in curbing criminal activities, underscoring the need for additional military funding to ensure unhampered performance.
The Governor took the chance to inform the CDS about the state’s initiatives in combatting crime by establishing the State Community Watch.
According to the Governor, the security team consisted of young individuals and devoted locals from the state, recruited to assist the military in their fight against crime.
Dr. Radda highlighted that due to its nearness to Niger Republic, Katsina State needs intensified military surveillance to preempt any security compromises.