Bandits Defy Peace Deal, Kill Resident And Kidnap Imam In Fresh Katsina Attack

Bandits have reportedly carried out fresh attacks in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing one resident and abducting several others despite a peace agreement earlier reached with local stakeholders.

The truce had been negotiated between community leaders and armed groups operating in the area shortly before the start of Ramadan.

The latest development was revealed on Friday by security analyst and conflict reporter Bakatsine in a post shared on his (formerly Twitter) account.

According to the report, the first attack occurred around midnight in the Gangaren Mangwarori area of Kankara town. During the incident, gunmen allegedly killed a resident identified as Malam Surajo and kidnapped an elderly woman known as Gwamma.

A few hours later, at about 6 a.m. on Friday, the attackers reportedly launched another raid on Marabar Gurbi community in the same local government area, abducting several residents.

Among those taken was the community’s second Imam (Na’ibi), Malam Jamilu Marabar Gurbi, who was said to be heading to the mosque for the Subhi (Fajr) prayer after Sahoor when the gunmen struck.

The incidents have sparked renewed anxiety among residents, particularly because they occurred despite the earlier peace arrangement between community representatives and the bandit groups ahead of Ramadan.

Many locals say the attacks have heightened fear in the area and are calling for stronger security measures to prevent further violence.