Armed bandits launched a deadly assault on Gidan Sarki community in Tuge Ward, Musawa Local Government Area of Katsina State, on Monday, January 19, 2026, abducting more than 20 residents, killing several people, looting livestock, and displacing entire villages.
Eyewitness accounts and local reports describe the attackers arriving heavily armed, firing indiscriminately to terrorize residents before rounding up victims primarily men, women, and possibly children and forcing them into the nearby bush.
The raid caused widespread panic, with many community members fleeing their homes for safety in neighboring areas.
The incident occurred amid heightened controversy surrounding the Katsina State Government's efforts to implement peace accords with "repentant" bandit groups.
Just days earlier, the state had faced backlash over plans to secure the release of 70 suspected bandits in custody as part of community-driven agreements aimed at reducing kidnappings and violence.
Authorities, including the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, have defended the approach, claiming similar pacts in areas like Musawa, Matazu, and others had previously led to the freeing of hundreds of abducted persons.
However, critics argue that the latest attack exposes the fragility of these deals, with bandits continuing operations even in areas supposedly covered by peace arrangements.
The raid in Musawa comes shortly after reported airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force targeting bandit positions in Musawa, Matazu, Danmusa, and parts of Kano State, where dozens of suspected bandits were neutralized in coordinated operations.
No official casualty figures or confirmation of the exact number of abductees have been released by the Katsina State Police Command or local government officials as of January 21, 2026.
Security sources indicate that search and rescue efforts may be underway, though details remain limited amid the fluid security situation in the northwest.
Banditry and kidnapping for ransom have plagued Katsina and neighboring states for years, with communities in rural local government areas like Musawa frequently targeted due to their proximity to forests used as hideouts.
The persistent attacks have raised questions about the effectiveness of both military operations and negotiated peace initiatives in restoring lasting security to the region.
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