The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has urged residents of Katsina State engaging in peace agreements with bandits to ensure such accords do not permit attacks on neighbouring communities.
He stressed the importance of preventing gunmen from crossing into other states to wreak havoc.
The Emir made the appeal during a tour of communities recently targeted by bandits in the Bagwai and Shanono local government areas of Kano State.
While expressing sympathy to affected residents, Sanusi encouraged them to report any suspicious activities to security agencies.
He also commended the Kano State Government for taking proactive steps to curb the infiltration of bandits into the state.
Panic ensued in Yan Kwada village within the Faruruwa community of Shanono Local Government Area on November 9, following a fresh attack by bandits that resulted in the abduction of five women, including nursing mothers.
According to local sources, heavily armed assailants stormed the village in large numbers, firing gunshots into the air to frighten residents before breaking into homes and abducting their victims.
“They came as usual, shooting sporadically and breaking into houses. They abducted five women, including nursing mothers. We couldn’t do anything because they were many and heavily armed,” said a resident, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal.
The source added that two of the abducted women have since regained their freedom under unclear circumstances, while three remain in captivity.
“Two of the women have returned, but three are still with the bandits. We don’t know their condition or where they were taken,” the resident said.
The latest attack occurred just a week after a joint military operation reportedly engaged bandits in a fierce gunfight in the same area, resulting in the deaths of 19 assailants.
