The incessant kidnapping and armed banditry in Katsina State has taken a new dimension as residents of Kankara town, in Kankara Local Government Area of the state on Thursday mobilised themselves and killed two bandits out of several others who besieged the town to cause mayhem.

Meanwhile, on the same night, a car dealer and a businessman of Yandaki village in Kaita Local Government Council were not so lucky as they were kidnapped from their residence.

Kankara town has a major highway connecting travelers from Abuja and Kaduna to Katsina town, the state capital.

An opinion leader of the LGA who spoke to PRNigeria on condition of anonymity said they resorted to self-help to protect their lives and property due to the incessant banditry and kidnapping in the area.

“The other bandits had to escape when they discovered that residents really prepared and ambushed them in a surprise attack,” the source said.

When contacted, the Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Gambo Isa, asked PRNigeria for time to contact the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Kankara to confirm the development. As at the time of going to press, there was no response from him.

Kidnapping is rampant in most local government areas of Katsina State, especially in Jibia, Dandume, Faskari, Sabuwa, Danmusa, Safana, Kankara, Batsari, Dutsinma, Kurfi, Funtua and Katsina metropolis.

Some of the councils border the dreaded Rugu forest which serves as hideout for bandits. The rise is also said to be fallout of the insecurity in neighboring Zamfara State, which also borders the forest.

The bandits are not only intercepting travelers on the major highways in the state but have resorted to storming towns and residences to pick their victims randomly.

The 80-year-old mother-in-law of the State Governor, Hajiya Maistiyari, who was kidnapped at her residence in Sabon Gari area of the state, was released after eight days in the custody of her abductors. (PRNigeria)