In a coordinated attack, gunmen suspected to be bandits dressed in military uniforms abducted 31 villagers in Tashar Nagule village of Batsari local government area in Katsina State. The incident occurred on Sunday night, with armed men in large numbers appearing in military uniforms inside the community.
According to a credible source in the area, the assailants, disguised as security agents, seized both women, children, and men. The attackers first surrounded the community, creating a situation where residents were deceived into believing they were security agents sent for their protection.
The source narrated, “They knew that when they said they were policemen or soldiers sent to protect us, we will believe them, and that was what happened.” Residents gathered at the village square, unaware that the intruders, some in military camouflage, were actually bandits.
As the bandits circled the residents, they directed them to follow into the forest, revealing their true intentions. Some villagers managed to escape, while others were abducted during the incident.
Batsari Local Government Area and its environs have experienced frequent bandit attacks, leading many residents to flee their homes in search of refuge in more urban centers. As of the time of the report, the Katsina State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the latest attack.
