An unspecified number of worshippers were reportedly abducted by bandits while performing Ishai prayer at a mosque in Gatakawa, Kankara local council, Katsina State, WikkiTimes reports.
Malam Salihu Bamle, a source familiar with the incident posted it on Twitter this morning.
“Yesterday night, bandits kidnapped an unspecified number of worshippers in Gatakawa, Kankara LGA of Katsina State,” Bamle tweeted.
“They attacked the village and abducted worshippers observing Isha prayer. The village is still in fright and panic this morning.”
Gambo Isah, spokesman for Katsina Police Command could not be reached for comment. He did not respond to calls.
Also, a text sent to him had not been responded to at press time.
Incessant terrorist attacks in Katsina have displaced many residents amid surging cases of kidnapping, rape and slaughtering.
In July, gunmen attacked the same Gatakawa, killing five police personnel and three civilians in the village.
Many residents were wounded during the attack and an unspecified number of domestic animals were rustled.
Survivors were also reported to have deserted the village after the attack.
Bandits Kidnap Worshippers from Katsina Mosque 1In October, however, the Katsina State Police Command announced that it had repelled an attack by bandits in Gatakawa, rescuing 18 people.
Spokesman of the command, Isah said in a statement that on October 12, at about 1am, the command received a distress call that suspected bandits in their numbers invaded the village, shooting sporadically.
“The team successfully repelled the suspected bandits from their heinous mission and rescued all the kidnapped victims,” Isah said.
He added that two people were killed during the attack.
“In the course of scanning the scene, five motorcycles and two cows were recovered. Sadly, two villagers were killed and one was injured by the suspects.
“It is feared that many suspected bandits were neutralized or escaped the scene with gunshot wounds. An investigation is ongoing,” he stated.
