Bandits dressed in hijabs, also known as Abayas, kidnapped 26 people, predominantly women and children, on Saturday night in an attack on Runka community in Safana Local Government Area of Katsina state.

Runka community, located near the notorious Rugu Forest known for harbouring criminals, was invaded at around 10:00 p.m.

The attackers shot sporadically throughout the area, causing panic among residents.

A local source, speaking to Channels Television, attributed the attack to bandit informants living within the community.

“The bandits killed no one except for one individual who was shot and injured while attempting to flee. He is currently hospitalized. They abducted at least 25 people, including twelve from my own family,” the source sad.

He said there was a notable absence of security personnel during the attack, which lasted several hours.

According to him, it was only after the incident that an armoured personnel carrier, accompanied by police personnel, was deployed to patrol the area.

“The bandits positioned themselves throughout the community, moving from house to house, breaking into homes, and abducting the occupants,” the source added.

“One of the bandits was overheard on a phone call with an informant, saying, ‘Today, we’ve come to your hometown,'” the source added.