Tragedy struck in Kankara local government area of Katsina state as at least 17 people were reportedly killed in separate attacks by bandits in various communities.
In the most recent incident on Thursday, a commercial vehicle was attacked near Dan Marke village along the Kankara – Marabar Kankara road.
According to a resident, five persons, including the driver, were killed on the spot, with others sustaining gunshot injuries.
Two passengers, including the son of the deceased driver, were abducted.
Earlier that day, seven farmers were reportedly killed on their farms in Katsalle community near Mabai, in the same local government area.
The bandits, known for their violent tendencies, had also killed three farmers earlier in the week, as they intensified their efforts to disrupt farming activities in the region.
Additionally, two individuals were killed in another attack at Unguwar Daudun Noma by suspected bandits who targeted a vehicle.
The affected communities express deep concern over their inability to access their farms peacefully, especially as the prices of food items continue to soar, with farming being their primary source of livelihood.
Governor Mallam Dikko Umar Radda, addressing the press during his one-year anniversary in office, acknowledged the threats posed by the terrorists to farmers.
He assured that the state government, in collaboration with security agencies, is taking decisive measures to address the situation.
Efforts to reach Katsina state police spokesman, ASP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, for confirmation, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
