he Katsina State Government has initiated rescue operations in response to the kidnapping of approximately 60 wedding guests by gunmen in Damari town. The victims, believed to be escorting a bride home, were abducted in the Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The state Internal Security Commissioner, Muazu Nasiru, conveyed through his spokesman, Tukur Ali, confirmed the government’s awareness of the incident and the launch of rescue operations to ensure the victims’ freedom. The Commissioner assured the public that efforts were underway to address the situation.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Aliyu, provided additional details, indicating that 35 women were abducted by suspected armed bandits. He stated that the victims, who were returning from a wedding ceremony, were ambushed between Sabuwa and Dandume LGAs. The police assured that intelligence and operational assets were deployed for the prompt and safe rescue of the kidnapped victims.
Unfortunately, in the hastily coordinated rescue effort, three local security volunteers lost their lives. The incident involved an open van carrying wedding guests, with some managing to escape when the armed bandits attacked. The criminals hijacked the van, taking control of the driving.
The Chairman of Dandume Local Government Council, Alhaji Basiru Musa, confirmed the incident and mentioned ongoing efforts to verify the status of the kidnapped women. Reports suggested that a few women might have escaped, and the chairman pledged to provide updates.
In a related incident around the same time, gunmen from the Siddi forest reportedly infiltrated Tashar Nadaya, near the Gazari district border in Sabuwa LGA. The criminals killed a commercial motorcycle rider and seized his bike. Additionally, they opened fire on a group of four individuals, confiscating their motorcycles.
The region remains on high alert as authorities work to address the security challenges and ensure the safety of the affected communities.
