Marauding gunmen suspected to be bandits have reportedly killed three civilians and abducted 46 persons in Kastina, President Muhammadu Buhari’s home state.

The incident occurred on Monday night when the brigands invaded communities across the Sabuwa local government area of the state.

The assailants broke into several shops and homes and carted away with money, valuable items, including dozens of livestock animals, the BBC Hausa reported.

It was gathered that the gun-wielding men operated for several hours with impunity during the deadly attack.

However, the report noted that most of the abducted victims were women and children.

In Kastina, Gambo Isah, the police command spokesperson, confirmed the abduction to Peoples Gazette Wednesday morning.

Mr. Isah refuted the number of kidnapped persons reported by BBC, adding that the victims were not up to 46.

“Actually, bandits attacked some communities on Monday. They killed three and injured six persons with gunshots.”

“On kidnapping issues, some women were actually kidnapped. But they are not up to 46,” the police officer said.

The onslaught of banditry across the northern region, including President Muhammadu Buhari’s home state, has ravaged most communities, leading to the deaths of thousands of civilians.