Again, Terrorists Abduct 55 Wedding Guests in Katsina
At least 55 wedding guests, reportedly accompanying a bride home in Damari town, Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State, were abducted by suspected bandits.
A local resident, speaking to PUNCH Online via phone on Friday, confirmed the incident, which took place around 9 p.m. on Thursday.
Moreover, the source revealed that three local security volunteers tragically lost their lives during the hastily organized rescue operation for the victims.
“Most of those the hoodlums attacked and abducted were those who were already crowded and riding in an open van called canter vehicle.
“The victims were initially over 70, mostly friends to the bride, in which several others escaped after jumping off the moving canter van when the terrorists hijacked the van,” he said.
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According to reports from PUNCH Online, the Sabuwa area is grappling with significant security issues. Bandits, often aided by informants, have been a persistent challenge in the local government area. Alhaji Basiru Musa, the Chairman of Dandume Local Government Area, verified these concerns.
While there are unconfirmed reports of some kidnapped women managing to escape, the chairman assured that he would verify the information and provide updates.
The incident involving the kidnapped women occurred as they were traveling from Sabuwa Local Government Area to Dandume; they were intercepted by bandits around 9 pm.
Sabuwa and Dandume are among the local government areas in Katsina State heavily affected by banditry.
In a related incident, gunmen reportedly from the Siddi forest infiltrated Tashar Nadaya, near the border of Gazari district in Sabuwa LG.
The assailants killed a commercial motorcycle rider and stole his bike. Furthermore, they attacked a group of four individuals, seizing their motorcycles.
Efforts by PUNCH Online to obtain official confirmation of this abduction from the police and other security agencies have been unsuccessful.
