Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Armed bandits on Monday night launched an attack on Dan-Soda community in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State, leaving one woman dead before security forces intervened and repelled the assault.
According to local sources and security reports, the attackers stormed the rural settlement under the cover of darkness, firing sporadically and causing panic among residents. During the raid, a female resident was fatally shot. Her identity had not been officially disclosed as of press time, pending notification of family members.
Troops attached to the Nigerian Army Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Dandume were alerted to the incident and mobilized immediately. Military sources confirmed that soldiers engaged the assailants in a gun battle shortly after arriving at the scene. In the ensuing confrontation, four of the attackers were neutralized, while others reportedly fled into surrounding bushland.
Security officials indicated that the rapid deployment of troops prevented what could have escalated into mass abductions or additional civilian casualties. Communities across Katsina State have frequently faced threats of kidnapping-for-ransom operations by armed groups operating in forested corridors spanning parts of the North-West.
Authorities have intensified clearance operations in recent months, with forward operating bases established in vulnerable local government areas to improve rapid response capability. The Dandume FOB is among several installations designed to curtail bandit movements and provide immediate military presence in high-risk zones.
Residents of Dan-Soda described the night as chaotic, with families scrambling for safety as gunshots echoed through the area. Some locals credited the swift arrival of troops for preventing further devastation, noting that prolonged attacks in similar incidents have often resulted in multiple abductions.
The broader security landscape in Katsina remains fragile despite ongoing joint operations involving the army, police and local vigilante groups. Rural communities continue to face intermittent incursions by armed gangs engaged in cattle rustling, kidnapping and extortion.
Military authorities have not yet released details regarding weapons recovered from the scene or whether follow-up pursuit operations are underway. However, security sources suggested that surveillance and tracking efforts were ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects.
Katsina State government officials have repeatedly called for sustained federal support in combating banditry, emphasizing the need for enhanced intelligence gathering and coordinated inter-agency action. While significant gains have been recorded in certain areas, sporadic attacks underscore the persistence of the threat.
As investigations continue, security agencies have urged residents to report suspicious movements promptly and to cooperate with ongoing operations. The body of the deceased woman is expected to be released to her family following standard procedures.
The incident highlights the continuing security challenges facing parts of northwestern Nigeria, where communities remain vulnerable to armed incursions despite increased military deployments.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments