Heavily armed bandits on Friday attacked Dan-Ali community in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State, disrupting Jumat prayers at several mosques.
Witnesses said bandits armed with dangerous weapons arrived in large numbers and fired sporadically, causing panic among worshipers.
A local source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the attack may be unrelated to the arrest and detention by security forces of Aisha Bala, a middle-aged local woman who is said to have provided an informant.
The source, however, commended the Katsina Security Guard for fighting back against the hoodlums, while imploring the authorities to provide reinforcements to ensure the safety of the community.
“During Jumat prayers, bandits invaded our community and started shooting, so we all had to flee. We are grateful to the security guards who chased them away, but the area is We still need reinforcements. The situation is getting out of control,” the official said.
Residents of Danari and neighboring villages such as Gwarjo, Dhangane, Tudun, Tasha Kadanya and Tasha Bili have been unable to access their farms for over a week due to the presence of bandits.
Many farmers have reportedly been kidnapped and the community is in a state of fear.
The Yantumaki-Kankara road, known as a trouble spot in Katsina, remains one of the worst-affected areas and is regularly attacked by bandits.
The Katsina State Police Command has not released any official statement on the incident.
