Suspected bandits have abducted more than a dozen girls and women, some of whom were breastfeeding mothers, in Katsina State. The incident occurred on Friday, April 30, 2026, at approximately 9:45 p.m. in the Sabon Layi community, located in Bakori Local Government Area.
According to reports, the number of persons abducted was 15 or more, including infants who were taken along with their mothers. The bandits stormed the community and targeted households belonging to a man identified as Mallam Aliyu and his younger brother.
A source from the area said the attackers operated swiftly, rounding up their victims and moving them into a nearby forest. Local security operatives attempted a rescue, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Community members lamented the deteriorating security situation and called on the government and security agencies to address the problem. The incident comes after several local government areas entered into peace agreements with bandits, which were welcomed by the state government and traditional rulers.
Despite the peace agreements, bandits have continued to kill, maim, and abduct citizens for ransom in some parts of the state, as well as rustle domestic animals. As of the time of this report, the police command in Katsina had not issued a statement or responded to inquiries about the incident.
