Despite ongoing peace agreements between local authorities and armed groups, bandits have again struck the Unguwar Daudu community in Dukke ward of Funtua Local Government Area, Katsina State, abducting at least 20 residents and injuring two others.
The attack, which unfolded late on Sunday night, threw the community into chaos as gunmen reportedly invaded the area, firing sporadically and forcing residents to flee for safety.
Those who could not escape in time were taken away by the assailants.
Furthermore, eyewitness accounts indicate that the injured victims sustained gunshot wounds during the raid and were later rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
The condition of the abducted residents remains unknown.
The incident was disclosed on Monday by Bakatsine, a journalist known for reporting conflict and insecurity across Nigeria’s North-West.
He noted that the assault occurred despite multiple peace deals earlier brokered by local authorities in Katsina State.
However, the latest violence has renewed public scepticism about the effectiveness of such agreements.
According to Bakatsine, repeated attacks raise questions about what continues to undermine the deals and why rural communities remain vulnerable.
Additionally, a resident of the area stated that the community had hoped the peace process would bring lasting relief.
“We were told things had improved, but what happened on Sunday shows that nothing has really changed,” the resident said.
Meanwhile, security observers argue that without consistent enforcement and stronger protection for civilians, negotiated truces may fail to deliver tangible safety on the ground.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the Katsina State Government or security agencies.
Hence, anxiety remains high among affected families as they await decisive action to address the renewed threat.