Armed bandits launched coordinated attacks on two villages in Kankara Local Government Area, resulting in four deaths and the abduction of at least 12 residents, despite ongoing peace agreements between local communities and repentant bandits.
The assaults occurred on Friday night, when heavily armed assailants stormed Dan Nakwabo and Madobai villages around 9:00 p.m. In Dan Nakwabo, bandits killed a man and a woman, identified as children of local businessman Alhaji Dan Azimi, and abducted two others.
In Madobai, the attackers kidnapped four residents but recorded no fatalities in that village. The bandits fired sporadically, causing widespread panic as families fled into the bush or barricaded themselves indoors. They operated without resistance for several minutes before retreating into nearby forests.
These incidents contribute to a rising death toll of four across recent bandit-related attacks in Kankara communities, with at least 12 abductions reported in the area over the past few days. Residents expressed shock, noting that the violence shattered the fragile sense of security following peace negotiations.
Katsina State Government officials confirmed efforts to sustain the peace deal, which covers at least 15 local government areas and has led to the release of approximately 1,000 abducted individuals. Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, stated, "The measure is intended to consolidate accords reached between affected communities and repentant bandits."
A secret document from the Katsina State Ministry of Justice, dated January 2, 2026, requested the release of about 70 suspected bandits facing trials as a condition for continuing the peace accord. Signed by Director of Public Prosecutions Abdur-Rahman Umar, the directive aimed to facilitate ongoing negotiations.