Bandits have reportedly taken over a gold processing site in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State and imposed a N10,000 levy for uninterrupted running of the site.

Punch reported that no fewer than 70 small-scale gold processing centres are operating at the site in Bakin Korama community in Magama Jibia border town of the council, which was opened about two weeks ago.

The bandits imposed the levy on the operators after invading the site at night and killing two of the operators, leaving five others injured.

11 workers were also abducted after the attack which commenced around 8pm and lasted two hours.

Chairman of the Katsina Minerals Processors, Tasi’u Abdullahi, confirmed the incident. One of those abducted who was later released, was reportedly asked to deliver a letter conveying the imposition of the levy.

Abdullahi said; 

“On Thursday, bandits launched an attack around 8.10pm. They came through a neighbouring river. On arrival, they started collecting money from the people after a boy announced their arrival to people by shouting ‘bandits, bandits.’ They killed two of our people, injured five others and kidnapped 11.

“I later received a report from a nearby village head that one of the kidnapped victims was eventually sent by the bandits with a handwritten letter saying that the attack launched by the hoodlums was just the beginning. They are, however, seeking our cooperation by always ensuring that we follow their policy.

“The policy is that the processing centres should be raising a contribution of N10,000. They also revealed that there are currently 11 people in their custody.”

Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Gambo Isah confirmed the incident but said investigation are ongoing.

Isah said; 

“Yes, the bandits attacked the processing site, killed two people and injured some others who were later taken to hospital for treatment. We have already launched an investigation into the real motives of the bandits.”