Armed bandits have abducted at least 15 persons, mostly women, children, and infants, during a late-night attack on Sabon Layi community in Kakumi Ward of Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.

A source in the community said the incident occurred around 9:45 p.m. last Thursday when gunmen stormed the area and targeted households belonging to a resident identified as Aliyu and his younger brother.

Another source disclosed that the attackers operated in a coordinated manner, dividing themselves into two groups. One group reportedly pretended to rustle cattle to distract residents, while the other infiltrated the community and carried out the abductions.

The assailants were said to have fled in different directions without firing a shot, apparently to avoid drawing attention. Residents only realised the abductions after attempting to trace their stolen cattle.

It was gathered that the attackers escaped through Mununu village in neighbouring Faskari Local Government Area, a route frequently used by criminal elements operating in the region.

Local security volunteers, including members of the Community Watch Corps and vigilante groups, were said to have mobilised in an attempt to rescue the victims, but their efforts were unsuccessful as the bandits had already retreated.

Among those abducted were several minors, including infants.

Sources alleged that the attack may have been carried out by a notorious bandit leader, Kwashen Garwa, who was reportedly involved in a peace agreement reached months ago. The area had experienced relative calm following the deal until the latest incident.

Meanwhile, bandits have reportedly imposed a levy of N10 million on several farming communities in Faskari and Bakori local government areas as a condition for allowing farmers to cultivate their lands during the rainy season.

A source from one of the affected communities said the bandits warned that no farming activities would be permitted unless the levy is paid.

Some of the affected communities include Yanshuni, Unguwar Zamfarawa, Malka, Lamido, Unguwar Doma, Ruwan Godiya, Gidan Kare, and Unguwar Wawo.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation and called on the Katsina State Government to intervene urgently.

“We do not go to them; they come to us. Now they have imposed a levy we cannot afford. What we need is a lasting solution, not a temporary one,” the source said.

Efforts to reach the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone line were not answered.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from security authorities regarding the incidents.