Bandits Wreak Havoc in Katsina, Killing Govr’s Aide, Wife, Abducting Scores

Gunmen attacked the residence of Salisu Ango, a liaison officer to Katsina State Governor Umar Dikko Radda, in Gyaza village, Kankia Local Government Area. In the assault, Ango and his first wife were killed, while his second wife was abducted.

Ango, a former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Kankia Chapter, was shot dead by the bandits on Friday, August 16, 2024.

The violence continued in Kankia as bandits raided Tashar Gamji community on Saturday night. The armed criminals went house to house, stealing an unspecified number of domestic animals, food items, and other valuables.

In a separate attack in Shirgi community, Batsari Local Government Area, bandits killed one person, injured another, and abducted 28 people. The assailants also rustled several domestic animals. A resident of Shirgi, speaking anonymously, reported that the bandits targeted women and children during the Sunday night attack. One of the victims, identified as Amadu Suru, was shot and killed while trying to protect his animals.

The Katsina State Police Command has confirmed the incidents in Kankia but is yet to release full details of the Shirgi attack. The police promised an official statement after receiving a report from the Divisional Police Officer in Batsari.

Kankia, though historically less affected by banditry, has become increasingly vulnerable due to its proximity to Dutsinma and Danmusa, areas notorious for bandit activity. The murder of the governor’s aide highlights the growing threat in the region.