Bandits Strike Katsina, Sokoto, Plateau, Abduct 40 Moslem Worshippers, Kill Several

•Katsina to build 152 homes for IDPs, supports repentant bandits with businesses

•Traditional ruler, six others killed in Plateau 

•Dasuki provides relief materials to attack victims

Francis Sardauna in Katsina, Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto and Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

In a devastating turn of events, armed bandits stormed a mosque in Gidan Turbe Village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, abducting at least 40 worshippers during dawn prayers.

The attack, which occurred around 5:30am on Monday, left the community reeling in fear and trauma with worshippers scattering in chaotic panic as the bandits, armed with dangerous weapons, surrounded the mosque, as described by eyewitnesses.

The abducted victims were later moved deep into the forests around the Gohori axis of Tsafe.

Relatedly, gunmen suspected to be kidnappers abducted and killed Mallam Hudu Hassan Barau, who was the ward head of Shuwaka (Sarkin Shuwaka) from Kyaram District, Garga Community of Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State.

A statement by Kanam Development Association and jointly signed by the chairman and secretary of the association, Garba Aliyu and Shehu Kanam, respectively, said the traditional ruler was abducted six days earlier before his remains were recovered from the nearby bushes on Monday morning.

Katsina State Government revealed plans to build 152 homes for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Jibia Local Government Area of the state to alleviate their accommodation challenge. Governor Dikko Umaru Radda disclosed this during a closed-door “power-packed consultation on security and governance” at Government House on Sunday evening.

Radda reaffirmed his administration’s determination to provide business support packages, cattle and industrial tools for repentant bandits to prevent violence relapse.

In a Monday statement jointly signed by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu-Zango, and Director-General, Media, Maiwada Dammallam, Radda said security toped the governor’s development blueprint.

Meanwhile, in a heart-warming display of compassion and leadership, Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki, representing Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency of Sokoto State, visited victims of recent bandit attacks in Kuchi and Jabo districts.

The lawmaker provided immediate relief materials, including assorted food items and other essentials, to alleviate the suffering of the affected communities.

The latest attacks in Katsina State came barely 24 hours after reports of peace agreements in parts of the North-west, casting a shadow of doubt over the effectiveness of the agreements.

Zamfara State Government and security authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

As the people of Zamfara State struggle to come to terms with the latest attack, concerns are growing about the escalating insecurity in the region.

A statement by the angry Kanam Development Association said, “We are consumed by grief and outrage as we received the tragic news of the death of one of our community leaders. We are still grappling with the shock and pains of this senseless killing and the continued bandit attacks across the communities in the Garga area.

“This heart-wrenching incident is a stark reminder of the persistent insecurity and banditry that has plagued our communities for far too long. We call on the federal government, security operatives and the Plateau State Government to work towards tackling insecurity in the council.”

Meanwhile, gunmen on Sunday night killed six persons at Ikn’gwakap community, Mushere Chiefdom, in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The gunmen reportedly arrived the community at midnight in large numbers and shot sporadically into the air before descending on their victims’ homes.

A statement by the Mushere Youth Movement, signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Kutyil Gashion Nahum, confirmed the development.

Nahum, in the statement, said, “On the night of Sunday, 14th September, 2025, about six innocent persons including women and children were brutally murdered in their sleep in Ikn’gwakap, the headquarters of Mushere Chiefdom. Several others are currently missing, leaving families in fear, trauma, and uncertainty.

“It is both alarming and unacceptable that despite repeated attacks on Mushere communities, not a single perpetrator has been arrested or neutralized. This persistent failure highlights the urgent need for a total overhaul of the security architecture in the area.”

The statement said, “We therefore call on the government at all levels to rise to its constitutional duty of protecting lives and property. The continued silence and inaction only embolden terrorists to perpetrate more violence on defenceless communities.

“While demanding immediate and decisive action, we equally urge all citizens across Mushere and Bokkos to remain vigilant, united, and proactive in safeguarding their communities, even as we continue to press peacefully and firmly for justice and lasting peace.

“The blood of our people must not continue to be shed in vain. The time for decisive action is now.”

Federal lawmaker, Dasuki’s visit to the IDP camps in Kuchi (Kebbe LGA) and Jabo (Tambuwal LGA) of Sokoto State demonstrated his commitment to the welfare of his constituents.

The recent bandit attacks in Kuchi and Jabo, where 150 people were abducted in Faki ward, left many families devastated, with some losing their entire livelihoods. Dasuki’s prompt response to the crisis brought hope to the affected communities, who were grateful for his support and leadership.

Dasuki’s efforts to empower his constituents go beyond providing relief materials.

He had also implemented various initiatives aimed at promoting education, entrepreneurship, and agricultural productivity in his constituency.

He provided scholarships to over 200 university students, sponsored vocational training programmes, and distributed business grants to women groups.