Katsina Woman Recounts How Bandits Killed Husband, Child and Abducted Five Others

A woman from Katsina State has shared a heartbreaking account of how armed bandits attacked her community, killing her husband and one of her children before abducting five of her other children, including a 19-month-old baby.

Speaking during a town hall meeting organised by NewsCentral TV on Thursday, the survivor said the attack happened as residents were preparing for prayers. According to her, the gunmen stormed the mosque where many of the men had gathered and opened fire, killing several worshippers while others escaped.

She said the attackers later entered her home, where one of her children had run to her for protection. Despite her efforts to hide the child, the bandits discovered him and shot him twice. They also killed her husband before taking away five of her children.

Another resident at the meeting said persistent attacks had forced many villages to be abandoned, leaving families displaced and communities deserted. He added that nearly 100 people were killed in one affected community during the height of the violence.

The meeting also examined the link between insecurity and mining activities in the state. A local miner, Sani Hamisu, said insecurity had made several mining sites inaccessible, severely affecting miners' livelihoods. However, he rejected allegations that miners were financing or supporting bandit groups.

Stakeholders at the forum called for stronger security measures and greater collaboration to end the wave of bandit attacks that continues to affect communities across Katsina State.

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