Suspected bandits have killed one person and abducted Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga (retd), a former Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), during a violent attack in Tsiga village, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The incident, which took place in the early hours of Thursday at about 12:30 a.m., saw the assailants storm the community, leaving destruction and fear in their wake. Reports indicate that the bandits also abducted at least nine other residents and looted several homes, carting away valuables.
Sources from the community revealed that the attack was initially planned to be a quiet operation with no gunfire. However, one of the bandits reportedly fired his weapon, which angered his colleagues. In a twist of events, the bandits are said to have turned on their companion, shooting and killing him on the spot.
The abducted victims, including the former NYSC boss, were allegedly forced to carry the body of the deceased bandit as they retreated into the forest.
Brigadier General Tsiga, a highly respected leader, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, is well-known in the community. His abduction has left residents in shock and grief, highlighting the worsening security challenges in the area.
Bakori Local Government Area is one of the regions in Katsina State grappling with recurring bandit attacks. In recent months, the area has recorded several incidents involving killings, abductions, and cattle rustling, leaving residents vulnerable and in constant fear.
Efforts to reach DSP Abubakar Aliyu, spokesperson for the Katsina State Police Command, for comments on the incident were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages were not responded to at the time of reporting.
