Suspected armed bandits have abducted two passengers and injured a driver during an attack along the Karaduwa-Matazu Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The incident occurred on Saturday when gunmen reportedly intercepted a red Peugeot 406 travelling along the route and opened fire on its occupants. The attack is the latest in a series of security challenges affecting parts of northwestern Nigeria, where armed groups continue to target commuters and rural communities.
According to security sources, the driver of the vehicle, identified as Abdullahi Sa’id, sustained a gunshot wound to his right arm during the assault. Two passengers, Abdullahi Batsari and Amina Abdullahi, were subsequently abducted by the attackers before security personnel arrived at the scene.
Security operatives were mobilized after receiving reports of the attack. The injured driver was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment while efforts were launched to locate and rescue the kidnapped victims.
Authorities said additional personnel and operational assets have been deployed to strengthen ongoing search-and-rescue operations. The move is aimed at ensuring the safe recovery of the abducted passengers and bringing those responsible for the attack to justice.
Katsina remains one of several states in Nigeria’s northwest region facing recurring incidents of banditry, kidnapping, and armed violence. Criminal groups operating across parts of the region have frequently targeted highways, villages, and travelers, often demanding ransom payments from victims’ families.
Despite intensified security operations in affected communities, attacks continue to pose significant challenges to residents and commuters, raising concerns over safety and security in the region.
Authorities have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist ongoing investigations and rescue efforts. They also assured residents that operations to track down the perpetrators and secure the release of the victims remain ongoing.
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