Kankara Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State is currently engulfed in tension following a series of deadly attacks by armed bandits that have left at least eight people dead, several others injured, and scores abducted within the past two days.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that the bandits launched coordinated attacks on multiple villages, forcing many residents to flee into the forest for safety. A source told Vanguard, “This morning, the bandits drove off a truck filled with people, and now they’ve taken another truck full of captives.”
The attacks reportedly began yesterday, targeting communities across Kankara. According to a local informant, the bandits killed one person each in Gidan Damo and Gidan Umoru, and two in Ungwan Mai Kawo. In Burdugau G, located in Malumfashi LGA, they also killed one person, set a vehicle ablaze, and left four others hospitalized.
Today’s violence intensified as residents of Yargoje and Dankunuji were particularly affected. “The criminals killed one person, injured several others, and abducted many villagers. They are currently leading their captives to Gidan Boka,” the source revealed.
The attacks have been attributed to a notorious bandit leader identified as Ba’baru of Gidan Gamji. Known for his stronghold in areas like Powa, Jeka, and Masalawa, Ba’baru is allegedly operating under the Maidaki ward and has a history of targeting Hausa communities in Kankara.
The source alleged that Ba’baru orchestrated the killing of over 100 people during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign visit to Katsina in 2014. “He is determined to eliminate the Hausa population in Kankara,” the source added.
Additionally, the influx of bandits expelled from Zamfara State has worsened the situation in Katsina. “These expelled groups are now regrouping at Mai Komo, a border community in Katsina, and teaming up with local gangs to continue their reign of terror,” the source explained.
Kankara LGA has long been a hotspot for banditry, with recurrent attacks causing widespread fear and displacement. As of the time of filing this report, the Katsina State Police Command had not issued an official statement regarding the incidents.
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