Residents flee Katsina community as bandits threaten to abduct women

Many residents of Nahuta village in Batsari LGA of Katsina have fled the community to safer locations over attacks by bandits and threats to abduct women in the area.

Speaking with TheCable on Tuesday, Abubakar Salihu, a resident of the community, said the bandits attacked Nahuta village at about 11:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Salihu said the bandits ransacked many houses and provision shops in search of food and money.

He said the bandits attacked a military camp in the village, set two vehicles ablaze, and stole many belongings of the security personnel.

He said no casualty was recorded during the attack but the bandits threatened to “come back for the women”.

“The attack happened on Sunday night at about 11:30 p.m. They attacked a military camp in Nahuta and burnt down two vehicles. They also took some of their properties,” he said.

“I was at the village when the attack was happening. No one was killed during the attack. There are some villages — about seven — where residents usually bring their cattle and other animals close to the military camp for protection.

“They stole many cattle and also raided provision shops and houses collecting food items and cash.

“The bandits later informed the women that this time, they had come for the animals but the next attack would be to kidnap the women.

“During the attack, they shot at my house and entered my father’s room but he was fortunately not at home.

“They then entered my mother’s room and asked her for money but she told them she didn’t have. They insulted her and left her room.

“They ransacked many houses before they left the community. Since yesterday, a lot of people have left Nahuta village and went to Batsari town for safety.

“As I speak with you, I have also left the area with my family. We are all in Batsari town.”

He added that the military personnel and police officers stationed in the community do not have adequate tools to combat the security issues in the community.

Efforts to reach Abubakar Aliyu, police spokesperson, for comment, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or messages put through to his mobile phone.