Katsina State recorded fresh attacks on civilians over the weekend as armed bandits struck communities in Kankara Local Government Area, killing at least three people and abducting several others. The assailants attacked a wedding convoy at Unguwar Nagunda village on Sunday night, killing two guests and abducting 17 people, including the bride, while several others sustained injuries. Eight of the abductees later escaped and were reunited with their families on Monday. In a separate incident the same day, another person was killed during an attack on Jaga village along the Kankara–Sheme Road.
The attacks came amid plans by the Katsina State Government to facilitate the release of detained bandits as part of community-driven peace agreements. The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, had earlier told DCL Hausa that about 70 suspects facing trial for alleged banditry could be released to consolidate peace efforts, but he later told the BBC that the exact number had not been determined. He said reconciliation committees had been established across local government areas to compile names of detained suspects for court review before any release is approved.
Residents of the affected communities described the situation as a return to insecurity after a period of fragile peace, with some linking the renewed violence to factions opposed to a recent peace deal signed in Kakumi village, Bakori Local Government Area. A security source said security forces had been deployed and were combing nearby forests and isolated areas to rescue remaining abductees. The commissioner confirmed the incidents and said further details would be provided through local security officials.