Bandits raid Katsina village, abduct 15 women

Armed Bandits continued their assault on Katsina State, Northwest Nigeria, in an early Tuesday morning raid on Wurma Village in Kurfi Local Government Area of the state.

The bandits, who came in large abducted 15 women, raided shops and carted away livestocks and other properties.

The Spokesperson of the Katsina State Police Command, ASP Anas Gezawa, who confirmed this development, added that 10 women (out of the 15 kidnapped) were rescued hours later.

Local sources however disputed the police spokesman’s claims, insisting that 48 people were kidnapped in the village, out of which seven were set free and two escaped.

The source also disclosed that the village head would have been taken away but left alone because of his health condition, adding that 39 people are still with the bandits.

Maintaining that only five were still in captivity Gezewa said: “DPO Kurfi reported that today 27/08/2019 at about 0015hrs unknown gunmen in large numbers invaded Wurma village of Kurfi LGA and abducted Fifteen (15) women including the Daughter and Daughter in law of the Village head, Alhaji Mustapha Mohammed (M).

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“Bandits also carted away unspecified numbers of cattle. “DPO led a team of policemen to the scene but hoodlums had already escaped.

“Subsequently, at about 1400hrs, Ten (10) out of the Fifteen (15) abducted women have been rescued and reunited with their families at Wurma village, Kurfi L.G.A.

“Effort are intensified to rescue the victims and possible arrest of culprits,” ASP Gezawa stated.

A local source however said: “the armed bandits invaded Wurma Village in Kurfi LGA and kidnapped 39 people including former vice chairman of the local government and other family members of the village head (2 daughter and four grand daughters).

“They carted away livestock, raid all shops and left with properties and other valuables.

“The bandits kidnapped 48 people, out of which they set free seven persons, two escaped. The kidnappers attempted to kidnap the village head but due to his health condition decided to set him free and go with his phone to reach across to them (kidnappers) if the need arises.

“This is leaving the number of persons in the kidnappers custody at 39 persons.”

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