By Ogalah Ibrahim

The Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has paid a condolence visit to ‘Yannasarawa in Faskari Local Government Area over the devastating bandit attack that claimed eight lives and left 45 people kidnapped, mostly junior secondary school students.

The attack, which occurred last week, also resulted in the destruction of eight vehicles, ten houses, and twelve shops.

Represented by Barrister Abdullahi Faskari, the Secretary to the State Government, Governor Dikko Radda conveyed deep sorrow and sympathy to the grieving families. He reiterated his unwavering commitment to eradicating banditry and other heinous crimes in the state.

Abdullahi Yar’adua, the Director of Press office for the Secretary to the State Government, in a statement on Monday, disclosed that during the visit, a vigilante group member shared the harrowing account of their attempt to repel the bandits.

“We engaged the bandits when they entered the village around 9:00pm but because they were in numbers and were having sophisticated weapons and ammunition, we were forced to retreat.” However, he stated, “Despite our weaknesses, we were able to count seven casualties on the part of the bandits.”

As for the 45 kidnapped individuals, “the vigilante member said that nothing was heard about them, because their abductors did not make any contact, yet.”

They handed over a list containing the names of the kidnapped, injured, deceased, and the extent of property damage to the Secretary to the State Government. He assured the community that their concerns would be communicated to Governor Dikko Radda upon his return.

Expressing gratitude for the Governor’s ongoing anti-terrorism efforts, the local residents pleaded for increased security presence in the village and the reconstruction of the only road connecting ‘Yannasarawa Village to Daudawa.