Suspected bandits have abducted a man, identified as Anas Ahmed, alongside his wife, Halimatu, and their young daughter in Katsina State’s metropolitan area.

The attack occurred around 3:00 am on Tuesday at Filin Kanana community, located in Sabuwar Unguwa, Kofar Kaura, within the state capital.

The bandits were reported to have shot and killed a local security guard who was on night patrol when the incident took place.

The development has sparked palpable tension among residents, who expressed growing fears that criminal groups are becoming emboldened to invade the heart of the state capital with impunity.

Some residents who spoke on the incident called on both the federal and state governments to take urgent action to address the worsening insecurity and safeguard lives and property.

Tuesday’s incident comes just days after daredevil bandits stormed Unguwan Mantau community in Malumfashi Local Government Area, where they killed over 40 worshippers inside a mosque.

During that attack, more than 80 people, including women and children, were abducted and taken into a forest.

However, 79 of the victims were rescued three days later following joint operations by the military and air force operatives.

Worried by the surge in insecurity, the acting Governor of Katsina State, Lawal Jobe, recently appealed to the Federal Government to strengthen security architecture in the state for a more effective response to the menace.

His call prompted a visit on Monday by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, who assured residents of intensified military operations to curb banditry and related criminal activities in the state.

As of the time of filing this report, the spokesperson of the Katsina State Police Command, ASP Abubakar Aliyu, had yet to speak on the incident. (The Guardian)