By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | KatsinaTimes

Armed bandits have abducted more than 10 persons in a renewed attack on Tabkin Gungune village, located in the Gatakawa axis of Kankara Local Government Area, Katsina State, security and community sources have confirmed.

The attack occurred in the early hours of Thursday, when the assailants reportedly invaded the village and forcefully took away several residents without encountering resistance.

Residents disclosed that the incident followed a similar attack on Wednesday night in Gatakawa town, where three persons were abducted, underscoring growing concerns over the worsening security situation in the area.

A resident, who spoke to KatsinaTimes on condition of anonymity, said security operatives were unable to respond swiftly due to poor access roads and the difficult, forested terrain linking Gatakawa and Tabkin Gungune.

Another community source revealed that a newly married woman was among those abducted, barely 24 hours after her wedding ceremony.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

The latest abductions come amid ongoing peace and reconciliation initiatives adopted by the Katsina State Government in collaboration with affected communities, particularly in conflict-prone areas, as part of efforts to achieve sustainable security.

However, despite these engagements, bandit attacks have persisted in parts of the state. Reports surrounding a proposed release of about 70 detained bandits under the peace framework have generated public controversy and criticism from some community leaders and security analysts, who warn of possible adverse implications for public safety.

Meanwhile, residents of Kankara Local Government Area and other severely affected councils have renewed calls on the government and security agencies to intensify security operations and decisively stem the wave of banditry.