At least 19 people have been reportedly killed and many others abducted after armed bandits attacked Gobirawa community in Dutsinma Local Government Area of Katsina State on Saturday night.
The Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, confirmed the attack on Tuesday, stating that five people were fatally shot and two vehicles were set on fire.
“Five persons fatally shot and two vehicles set ablaze. Investigation is ongoing with a view to arresting the perpetrators and forestalling further occurrence,” he told PUNCH.
However, an eyewitness from the community, Sani Abdullahi Kuki, said the number of people killed was much higher. He claimed at least 19 residents were killed during the attack, which began around 9:00 pm.
According to him, the attackers, suspected to have come from the Danmusa forest, stormed the area with dangerous weapons and began shooting randomly.
“This is totally out of control. I couldn’t even stay till the end to witness the entire burial process of one of the deceased because I couldn’t control my anger. I left the cemetery at the time when personnel were digging graves for the five other victims who were burnt to death,” Kuki said.
He also shared that many people ran for safety, but some who hid in grain silos were burnt alive by the attackers. Their remains were recovered the next morning for burial.
“Some of the victims were sent to Dutsinma General Hospital; others were referred to Katsina Hospital after the incident,” he added.
Kuki said the attackers also burnt down all shops and over 20 houses in the area. He added that women, children, and the elderly were among those kidnapped, but the exact number is still unknown.
“Many people were evacuated to safer places in 20 vehicles. As of now, I don’t think there are at least 20 women staying in the community,” he said.
He noted that the attackers fled when they saw an Armoured Personnel Carrier vehicle approaching the community.
“We are calling on relevant authorities to assist us, please, as war is coming closer to the local government headquarters. We also need more security presence,” he said.
