TheCable

Gunmen have abducted 38 persons in Wurma town, Kurfi local government area of Katsina state.

A source told TheCable that the incident happened around 11:50am on Monday.

A resident, who simply identified himself as Badamasi, told TheCable that two of his children were among those kidnapped by the suspected bandits.

He said despite distress calls placed to security operatives, the gunmen operated for hours without being challenged. 

“Hundreds of armed bandits invaded our community that morning. Even before their arrival, we sensed something and immediately started calling the police,” Badamasi said.

“But we were surprised that the bandits spent hours, looted and kidnapped our people. I am a victim. Two of my children were abducted.” 

Narrating his ordeal, Mustapha Muhammad, the village head, said two of his daughters are also missing. He said the attackers ransacked his room, looking for money and other valuables. 

“At first, 49 people were kidnapped but 11 had returned to the village. Among those kidnapped are also wife and son of the vice chairman of the local government.”

He added that the attackers did not kill anyone. 

When contacted, Gambo Isa, police spokesman in the state, said he was not aware of the incident. 

“I will contact the DPO in the area, and get back to you,” he told TheCable. 

Katsina is among the states with a high rate of insecurity.

About 22 persons were reportedly killed while scores of women were abducted when bandits attacked Zangon-Kankara and Makera in Kankara local government area of the state in July.