There is palpable tension in Kankara Local Government of Katsina State as armed bandits have reportedly killed eight people, abducted scores and wounded several others between yesterday and today.
“Earlier this morning, they (bandits) drove off in one truck (pick-up) full of captives, and now they’ve driven off another full of people,” a source from the area disclosed to Vanguard.
“To escape the clutches of these ruthless criminals, many villagers have fled into the forest in search of safety. And some of them have been killed in the process,” the source revealed.
Vanguard learned that the hoodlums were leading their numerous captives to their hideouts, as many other residents continue to run for dear life.
Killing spree
A credible source, who asked not to be named, revealed that the bandits, in a series of attack that started yesterday, targeted several communities in Kankara Local Government Area.
“Yesterday, they killed one person at Gidan Damo, one at Gidan Umoru and two others in Ungwan Mai Kawo.
“Also, in Burdugau G, Malumfashi LGA, they killed one person and burnt a car. Four people are currently hospitalized as a result.
“Today, the situation has worsened with residents of Yargoje and Dankunuji been particularly hard-hit. The criminals captured several people, killed one and wounded several others.
“The bandits who are currently forcing their numerous captives to embark on a journey back to their hideouts, are presently at Gidan Boka,” the source told Vanguard.
The source attributed the attacks to a notorious bandit kingpin, whom he identified as Ba’baru of Gidan Gamji.
“The notorious bandit has strong presence in Powa, Jeka, and Masalawa, and is currently operating under the Maidaki ward,” he said.
According to the source, Ba’baru is determined to wipe out the Hausa population in Kankara.
He also noted that Ba’baru was responsible for the killing of over a 100 people when former President Goodluck Jonathan came to campaign in Katsina in 2014.
The source further revealed that the bandits, who were expelled from Zamfara, are presently gathering at Mai Komo, a border community in Katsina.
“They are now joining forces with local gangs to infiltrate Katsina and continue their attacks,” he said.
The source expressed deep concern over the incident in Kankara LGA, particularly with the influx of bandits from neighbouring Zamfara State.
Kankara LGA has been a major hotspot for banditry in Katsina State.
The Katsina Police Command is yet to confirm the report as at the time of filing this report.
