Bandits have demanded N10,000 from operators at a gold processing plant in Katsina State’s Jibia Local Government Area for the site’s uninterrupted operation.
The location is in the Bakin Korama community of the council’s Magama Jibia border town.
Residents revealed that the site, which opened about two weeks ago, was home to more than 70 small-scale gold processing centers.
After invading the site on Thursday night and killing two operators, the bandits imposed the levy on the operators, it was learned.
The attack began around 8 p.m. and lasted two hours, according to residents.
Five other operators were reportedly injured in the attack, and the gunmen allegedly kidnapped 11 workers from the construction site.
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Tasi’u Abdullahi, the Chairman of the Katsina Minerals Processors, confirmed the incident.
He revealed that the bandits later released one of the kidnapped operators, telling him to deliver a letter informing him of the levy’s imposition.
“On Thursday around 8.10pm, bandits launched an attack,” Abdullahi said in Hausa. They arrived by way of a nearby river. They began collecting money from the people as soon as they arrived, after a boy announced their arrival by shouting “bandits, bandits.” They assassinated two of our people, injured five more, and kidnapped eleven more.” One of the kidnapped victims was eventually sent by the bandits with a handwritten letter saying that the hoodlums’ attack was only the beginning, according to a report from a nearby village head. They are, however, seeking our cooperation by requiring that we adhere to their policy at all times.
“The processing centers are required to raise a contribution of N10,000,” says the policy. They also revealed that they are currently holding 11 people.”
SP Gambo Isah, the Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the incident and said the investigation was still underway.
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“Yes, the bandits attacked the processing site, killing two people and injuring others, who were then taken to the hospital for treatment,” he said. We’ve already started an investigation into the bandits’ true motivations.”
