Traditional rulers in Katsina State have expressed gratitude to the military, Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilante groups for foiling a mass abduction attempt in Bakori Local Government Area. The incident occurred in Unguwan Hudu village, Kakumi Ward, where bandits attempted to abduct residents. This recent attempt is the second foiled operation in the area within a short period.
The state government had previously commended security agencies for foiling a mass abduction in Gidan Iyado, Kakumi Ward, of the same LGA. During that operation, 18 bandits were killed by a combined security team comprising the military, DSS, and the Community Watch Corps. The government and traditional rulers have hailed the collaboration between security agencies and community-based security groups.
A district head in Bakori LGA praised the security agencies and local vigilantes for their efforts in preventing the mass abduction. He attributed the success to the continued collaboration amongst security agencies, traditional institutions, and local communities. This collaboration has helped to stop criminal elements from attacking farming communities in the area.
According to another district head, armed bandits allegedly led by one Rabiu and operating from a camp in Mununu Forest, Faskari LGA, attempted to abduct residents of Unguwan Hudu village. However, the DSS received intelligence, prompting security operatives to block the bandits' route. The bandits subsequently aborted their mission and fled, abandoning 18 kidnap victims.
The abandoned victims comprised 14 females and four males, including children and toddlers. It is believed that at least seven of the fleeing bandits sustained gunshot injuries, as indicated by the trail of blood along their fleeing path. One of the rescued victims, 14-year-old Zainab Ashiru, also sustained a gunshot injury and was admitted to the General Hospital, Bakori.
This operation occurred less than two weeks after security forces foiled another attempt by bandits to kidnap residents of Gidan Iyado, Kakumi Ward, in the same Bakori LGA. The traditional rulers have expressed happiness with the string of successful operations, which they believe is turning the tide against the criminals.
The successful operations demonstrate the growing collaboration between security agencies and community-based security groups in disrupting the activities of criminal elements operating across communities in Katsina State. The traditional rulers have reiterated their appreciation for the efforts of the security agencies and local vigilantes in maintaining peace and security in the area.
Key points
- The Katsina State government and traditional rulers have commended the security agencies for their efforts in foiling mass abduction attempts.
- The collaboration between security agencies and community-based security groups has been credited with disrupting the activities of criminal elements in Katsina State.
- The recent operations have resulted in the rescue of 18 kidnap victims and the killing of 18 bandits.
