KATSINA BLOODBATH: Terrorists Strike Despite Peace Deals, 20 Abducted

By Ademola Adekusibe
January 5, 2026

At least 20 residents have been abducted and two others injured following a terrorist attack on Unguwar Daudu community in Dukke Ward of Funtua Local Government Area, Katsina State.

The attack occurred on Sunday night, January 4, 2026, when heavily armed assailants stormed the rural community, firing sporadically and causing panic among residents before escaping with their captives.

A Katsina-based security expert, Malam Bakatsine, confirmed the incident on Monday, noting that the attack took place despite recent peace agreements reportedly brokered between local authorities and armed groups operating in the area.

Funtua is among several local government areas in Katsina State that have experienced repeated attacks by terrorists, with residents frequently subjected to kidnappings, killings and displacement.

In a related incident earlier in the year, bandits attacked Naino village in Naalma Ward of Malumfashi Local Government Area, killing two people and injuring six others. Security sources said the attackers invaded the village at about 6:30 a.m. on January 1, entering from the direction of Musawa and opening fire on residents.

The injured victims were evacuated to Malumfashi General Hospital, where two of them, identified as Kamala Lawal, 35, and Tijjani Umaru, 35, were confirmed dead on arrival. The remaining victims are currently receiving treatment.

Following the attacks, security operatives reportedly established blockades along suspected escape routes and launched cordon-and-search operations in surrounding areas to track down the perpetrators and rescue abducted residents.

Residents have continued to express concern over the persistent insecurity in the area, calling for more effective and sustained security measures to prevent further attacks.