Bandits abduct 55 wedding guests in Katsina

Gunmen suspected to be bandits recently launched a vicious attack on a wedding convoy in Damari town, Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Reports had it that the assault, which transpired around 9pm on Thursday, resulted in the tragic death of three persons and the abduction of at least 55 wedding guests.

The victims, predominantly friends of the bride from Dandume, were escorting the bride home when they were ambushed while traveling in an open van.

Initial reports suggested that the total number of guests abducted was 30, as several had managed to escape by leaping off the moving vehicle during the attack.

Amidst the chaos, three local security volunteers attempting a rescue the victims were shot.

The area has long grappled with the scourge of banditry, further complicated by the presence of informants collaborating with the criminals.

The chairman of the neighbouring Dandume Local Government Area, Alhaji Basiru Musa, confirmed the incident.

Sabuwa and Dandume are among the local government areas in Katsina State significantly impacted by relentless banditry activities.

In a related incident, around the time of the wedding guests’ abduction, assailants believed to originate from the Siddi Forest attacked Tashar Nadaya near the Gazari district border in Sabuwa Local Government Area.

In this separate incident, a commercial motorcycle rider lost his life, and his bike was stolen. The attackers also targeted a group of four individuals, opening fire and seizing their motorcycles.