Five people are said to have been slain by bandits at two polling places in Kankara LGA, Katsina State, where a rerun election is planned for today.
During the late-night attack on Friday, the attackers—who arrived on more than fifty motorcycles—also stole more than one hundred bags of soybeans, cowpeas, and guinea corn from the Ungwar Kela hamlet.
A resident claim that the thieves employed a calculated plan whereby some members were stationed to watch over the area while others rode about all night carrying the stolen produce. There was no response when attempting to reach Alhaji Anas Isah, the chairman of the local government, or the Katsina Police Command spokesperson by phone.
Security issues were raised for the rerun election, which was scheduled to take place in 20 voting places throughout the Kankara and Sabuwa LGAs. The INEC Head of Voter Education and Publicity, Mr. Shehu Sa’idu, emphasized that the poll consists of 16 units in the Garagi ward of Kankara LGA and four units in Dauduwa, Faskari.
Between Wednesday and Friday, communities in Danmusa LGA also reported similar incidents, with the thugs stealing over 300 bags of grains.
People who are experiencing hardship have made the decision to evacuate to the local government offices, especially those who own valuables that could be stolen.
Even as they expressed their wish to return to their community, residents in the impacted communities asked to the state government for help in deploying a strong security force to protect them from the reoccurring threats.
In another area of the state, bandits have reportedly abducted 55 people escorting a bride to her matrimonial home.