Suspected bandits have attacked Chibauna community in Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing two residents and abducting over 50 women, barely weeks after a reported peace agreement in the area.
The assailants were said to have stormed the community late on Sunday, firing sporadically and causing panic among villagers before making away with a large number of livestock, including cattle and sheep.
Confirming the incident, a local councillor, Malam Abdurasheed, told the BBC Hausa Service on Monday night that the gunmen invaded the village and shot indiscriminately during the raid.
He said two persons were killed in the attack, while several others sustained gunshot injuries and were taken to a hospital for treatment.
Abdurasheed added that although more than 50 women were initially abducted, some of them reportedly escaped and later returned to the community.
He appealed to the military and other security agencies to urgently step up operations in the area to forestall further attacks and ensure the rescue of those still being held by the bandits.
The latest incident has further heightened tension among residents, amid concerns over the worsening security situation in parts of the state.