Gunmen suspected to be bandits launched a brutal attack on a wedding convoy in Damari town, Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State, around 9 pm on Thursday.

The assault resulted in the tragic death of three individuals, with at least 55 wedding guests abducted. The victims, primarily friends of the bride from Dandume, were ambushed while escorting the bride home in an open van.

Initially reported as 30 abducted guests, some managed to escape by leaping off the moving vehicle during the attack.

Amidst the chaos, three local security volunteers attempting a rescue were shot.

The area has long grappled with banditry, exacerbated by the presence of informants collaborating with criminals. Alhaji Basiru Musa, the chairman of the neighboring Dandume Local Government Area, confirmed the incident.

Sabuwa and Dandume are among the local government areas in Katsina State significantly impacted by relentless banditry.

In a related incident, assailants from the Siddi Forest attacked Tashar Nadaya near the Gazari district border in Sabuwa Local Government Area. A commercial motorcycle rider lost his life, and his bike was stolen. The attackers also opened fire on a group of four individuals, seizing their motorcycles.