On Saturday night, bandits in hijabs abducted twenty-five people from the Runka community in Safana local government area of Katsina State. This terrifying incident has left many men, women, and children missing as they fled into the bushes to avoid being kidnapped.

Residents of Runka reported that the bandits struck under the cover of darkness, moving from house to house. They forcibly broke into homes, taking occupants without encountering any resistance. Among those abducted were several women and children.

“One person was injured while trying to escape and has been hospitalized,” a resident noted. The attack is suspected to have been aided by informants within the community, raising concerns about internal security breaches.

Local government chairman Abdullahi Sani Safana confirmed the incident, stating that rescue operations are underway. Security agencies have been alerted, and efforts are being coordinated to locate and rescue the abducted individuals.

The Katsina State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement on the incident. However, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Safana assured that a rescue team had been dispatched to pursue the bandits. He added that continuous efforts are being made to combat bandit activities in the state.

This abduction incident follows a recent suicide bombing attack in Gwoza, Borno State, highlighting the escalating security challenges in Northern Nigeria.

Amnesty International’s recent report shed light on the severe impact of banditry in the region. Over 2,600 citizens of Benue and 50 rural communities have been killed by bandits. In addition, the report highlighted that over 80 percent of the farming populations in Agatu, Guma, and Gwer local government areas have been displaced, leaving them without access to their farmlands or any means of livelihood.

“Over 80 percent of the farming populations in Agatu, Guma, and Gwer West LGA have been displaced, with no access to their farmland or any means of livelihood,” Amnesty International stated in its 2024 report on June 27.

The recurring attacks by bandits in various parts of Northern Nigeria have caused widespread fear and insecurity among the local populations. Residents are calling for more robust security measures to protect their lives and property. The government and security agencies face increasing pressure to address these security challenges and restore peace to affected communities.