In what seems like the spread of bloodletting in parts of the country, suspected gunmen riding on motorcycles on Tuesday and Wednesday night killed an estimated 103 people in separate attacks on two villages in Faskari and Sabuwa Local Government Areas of Katsina State.
The multiple attacks on the communities occurred a few hours ahead of President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit to the state.
It was gathered that the armed men, said to be cattle rustlers, invaded Koran Mota village, where they killed seven people including the Maiunguwa (ward head), Mallam Maiunguwa Bawa, Mallam Nuhu Haruna and Magaji Musa of Marabar Kindo. They were all buried on Wednesday.
The fleeing armed men also reportedly shot dead a middle-aged man in the neighbouring village of Unguwar Rimi, in Sabuwa before disappearing into the bush.
Eyewitnesses told journalist that the gang of bandits numbering about 90, were said to be riding 30 motorcycles when they raided Kurar Mota and Marabar Kindo villages in Faskari and Sabuwa respectively. According to eyewitness accounts, the armed men shot sporadically into the air to scare away the residents.
However, the Chief Imam of Maigora village in Faskari confirmed that the bandits came in different attire, stating that some were dressed in army uniforms, while others wore Fulani clothing.
It was further confirmed that the bandits had repeatedly raided Maigora, Sabon layin Galadima, Unguwar Rimi and Marabar Kindo and neighbouring villages killing dozens of people while several others who fled were still missing at press time.
Attacks by bandits have become a recurring menace in the Rugu forest which borders Zamfara, Kaduna, Niger and Katsina States for over a year, resulting in the destruction of human lives, livestock and other property.
As a result, surviving residents of the communities have been forced to flee their homes for Dandume Local Government Area for fear of further attacks.
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