At least five people were seriously injured, and three others were abducted when a large group of bandits attacked the Magamar Jibia border town in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The bandits, armed with sophisticated weapons, including AK-47 rifles, overpowered the security personnel deployed to repel the attack, according to a member of the Jibia Security Committee who spoke to Channels Television on Thursday via telephone.
The assailants stormed the area on Wednesday night around 11:45 p.m., firing sporadically to frighten residents, many of whom were preparing for bed.
He urged commanders of the Jibia vigilante group to mobilize and patrol areas such as Kagadama, Magama, Kaga, Faru, Rijiyar Malamai, Mai Kwari, Jibiyar Maje, and Bayan Asibiti community.
He emphasized the need for the public to remain resolute in confronting the bandits.
“The bandits were in large numbers, they attacked the Magama Area and shot three persons and kidnapped three persons as well.
“People should stop sleeping especially those around the Jibia to put eyes on the movement of the criminal elements for security personnel to know where and when to start.
Earlier on Wednesday morning, according to the eyewitness, another bandits’ gang similarly attacked the Katsina-Jibia major Road where several bandits were reportedly neutralised as a result of an encounter with the army personnel.
Eventually, an AK 47 rifle belonging to the hoodlums including their motorcycle was recovered.
“Two soldiers were seriously injured in the operation”, the eyewitness said.
The Spokesperson for the Katsina State Police Command, ASP Abubakar Sadiq, confirmed the attack to our reporter on Thursday.
He disclosed that the police had previously deployed a team of officers to the scene, successfully repelling the attack and rescuing the three abducted individuals unharmed.
“Those rescued were immediately rushed to hospital for treatment and the command is working hard to fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act,” ASP Sadiq noted.