Terrorists abduct two pregnant, eight nursing women, 10 others in Katsina 

At least 20 persons, mainly women, have been abducted by suspected terrorists in Na-Alma village, Malumfashi Local Council of Katsina State.

Meanwhile, 10 governors of the North West and North Central regions have been invited to the United States of America (U.S.A.) for the Governors’ Symposium on Peace and Security.

Gunmen had stormed the community in motorcycles from Tuesday night to the wee hours of yesterday.

A resident, who reportedly escaped abduction, said the gunmen also razed houses and carted away household items.

He said: “The terrorists abducted girls, eight breastfeeding women and their babies, and two pregnant women. They also kidnapped a man whom they had earlier cut off his hand and leg.

“The number of those abducted is up to 20, if not more. They also set several houses on fire, especially houses belonging to residents perceived to be rich.”

He lamented that the community had been tipped off hours before the incident of imminent attack.

The resident said: “We informed security operatives that there would be an attack and they assured us they would be here. Unfortunately, they did not show up for the length of time the terrorists operated.

“We have been witnessing incessant attacks for some time now, and they became more often after an incident that led to the killing of a man suspected to be a terrorist, in the area. The last time the community was attacked, they killed the village head, abducted many people, set houses on fire, and cut off the hand and leg of one of the residents.”

At press time, yesterday, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Abubakar Aliyu, did not immediately respond to inquiries on the incident.
THE U.S. symposium, according to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Katsina State Governor, Ibrahim Mohammed, is being organised by the Africa Centre at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), to address security challenges in the region.

The event, Mohammed said, is scheduled for April 23 to 25, 2024, in Washington DC and would be attended by state governors, US government officials, congressional staff and civil society partners.

Governors invited to the summit, The Guardian gathered, include Dikko Radda of Katsina, Uba Sani (Kaduna), Abba Yusuf (Kano), Nasir Idris (Kebbi) and Umar Namadi (Jigawa).

Others are Ahmad Aliyu (Sokoto), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Mohammed Bago (Niger) and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau).

The statement said recognising the crucial role of state governors in mitigating security threats and fostering peace, the symposium would enhance their capacity in conflict prevention and peace-building efforts across the country.

Accordingly, a special panel discussion facilitated by Tom Sheehy would focus on Strengthening Commercial Business and Two-Way Trade Between Nigeria and the U.S.