This archive report was first published on 5 July 2019.
At least 18 people were killed in a series of raids by armed bandits on four villages in northern Nigeria, where attacks by kidnappers and cattle rustlers have been on the rise.
According to residents, the bandits stormed into the villages in Kankara and Danmusa districts in Katsina state on Wednesday, shooting residents as they fled.
"We collected 18 dead bodies from the four villages after the attacks," said Sada Iliya, a community leader from Unguwar Rabo village where nine people were killed.
Residents transported the bodies to the state capital, Katsina, 130 kilometres away, and presented them to the traditional emir in protest at the attacks.
"We took the 18 corpses to Katsina for the emir (so that he could) see what we are going through at the hands of bandits," said Isyaku Jari from Maidabino village.
The victims were buried the same day after funeral prayers attended by the emir.
Attacks by cattle thieves and kidnappers have plagued Katsina state for months, prompting villagers to form vigilante groups to protect themselves.
Published on July 5, 2019, by AFP.
