In a horrific incident that has sent shockwaves through Katsina State, suspected bandits launched a deadly assault on a wedding convoy, resulting in multiple casualties and abductions. The attack underscores the persistent security challenges plaguing the region.
Details of the Unguwar Nagunda Community Attack
The tragedy unfolded on Sunday night, January 12, 2026, in the Unguwar Nagunda Community, located within the Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State. According to reports, the armed assailants ambushed the convoy of wedding guests, unleashing heavy gunfire that caused widespread panic and chaos.
The attack left two people dead and several others injured. Among the wounded was the bride herself. Furthermore, an unspecified number of wedding guests were forcibly taken away by the bandits. A security source confirmed to Channels Television that residents reported the terrifying sound of gunshots and the ensuing scramble for safety.
Families in Anguish Amid Confusion and Official Silence
In the aftermath of the violence, confusion and grief have gripped the community. As of the morning after the attack, families were still desperately trying to ascertain the exact number of people abducted and to confirm the safety of their loved ones.
Efforts to get an official statement from the police have so far been unsuccessful. The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, had not responded to calls or text messages at the time initial reports were filed.
Attack Occurs Amid Controversial Plans for Bandit Release
This brutal incident comes at a particularly sensitive time. The Katsina State government, led by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, is reportedly planning to release 70 detained suspected bandits.
The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, has defended this controversial plan. He likened it to prisoner exchanges that occur after wars, stating it was a condition for the continuation of a peace accord deal signed between frontline local governments and the bandits. Muazu maintained that such tactics are adopted in conflict zones globally.
This latest attack casts a long shadow over such reconciliation efforts, highlighting the complex and dangerous security landscape. It is a grim reminder of a pattern of violence targeting celebratory events in the Northwest. Recall that in November and December of 2025 and 2024, similar attacks in Sokoto State saw bandits abduct brides and their bridesmaids shortly after wedding ceremonies.
The people of Unguwar Nagunda and surrounding communities are now left to mourn their dead, care for the injured, and plead for the safe return of those kidnapped, all while grappling with the ever-present threat of violence.
