In a brazen attack, heavily armed terrorists stormed Yar-Malamai village in Faskari County (Local Government Area) in Katsina State on May 13, abducting more than 80 residents. Reports indicate the attackers descended upon the village, opening fire and causing widespread panic.
Locals report that the terrorists specifically targeted women and children and herded them away. The attackers also reportedly burned houses and stole food supplies. Daily Trust reports that the attack lasted approximately 10 hours.
“At the moment, only six houses are left standing in Yar-Malamai,” said a villager who spoke to Daily Trust. “The bandits kidnapped about 80 people, mostly women, and looted foodstuffs and other valuables. We are devastated and in dire need of food and shelter.”
This brutal act came just a day after soldiers withdrew from the area following the deaths of four soldiers and a vigilante at the hands of the bandits. A reliable source reported that the bandits returned just hours after the soldiers left, continuing their rampage of looting and burning. The villagers are now pleading for help from the government in the wake of this tragedy.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
