Suspected bandits have launched a deadly attack on a wedding convoy in Unguwar Nagunda community, Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing at least two people and abducting several guests.
The attack, which occurred late Sunday night, reportedly left multiple victims injured, including the bride. An unspecified number of wedding guests were also taken away by the assailants, plunging the community into fear and confusion.
A security source disclosed on Monday that residents reported intense gunfire and widespread panic as the bandits stormed the area.
Attack Raises Fresh Concerns Over Peace Deal
The incident comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding the Katsina State Government’s plans to release detained suspected bandits as part of efforts to consolidate what it describes as an “existing peace accord” with banditry-affected communities and repentant bandits.
The state government has defended the strategy, describing it as a conflict-resolution approach commonly adopted in war situations worldwide. Officials have also claimed that the peace deal has resulted in the release of more than 1,000 abducted persons previously held captive by bandits across the state.
Secret Letter on Planned Releases Emerges
On January 2, 2026, a classified letter marked “SECRET” surfaced, detailing the state government’s plan to secure the release of suspected bandits currently facing criminal trials. The letter, issued by the Ministry of Justice and addressed to the Chief Judge of Katsina State, Justice Musa Abubakar, sought judicial intervention to facilitate the releases.
Signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Abdur-Rahman Umar, the letter revealed that the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs had submitted a list of 48 individuals accused of various banditry-related offences to the Ministry of Justice.
According to the document, their release was proposed as “a condition precedent for the continuance of the peace accord” between bandits and frontline local government areas affected by insecurity.
The letter further disclosed that while some of the suspects were already standing trial at the Federal High Court, others were being held pending trial at magistrates’ courts across the state.
In addition, Umar noted that a separate list of about 22 inmates facing trial before various high courts had also been submitted, with a request that they be released under the same peace arrangement. The Chief Judge was urged to take the “necessary action” to facilitate the process.
The latest attack has intensified public concern and renewed debate over the effectiveness and implications of the state’s controversial peace strategy, particularly as violent incidents continue to occur.
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