At least thirty children are believed to have been kidnapped by suspected bandits at Kasai village in Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Batsari is one of several Security Frontline Local Government Areas in Katsina State where activities of bandits, and other criminal elements have been on the increase almost on a daily basis.

At the time of filling in this report, government and security agencies were yet to comment on the issue.

However, a resident of the area, told Channels Television in a telephone call, that the fresh attack on the children, took place in the early hours of Monday.

He explained that the victims were intercepted and kidnapped by the hoodlums behind the village area while in search of firewood for cooking.

“Yes, the attack occurred yesterday Monday in the morning hours. It all began when the children numbering up to thirty went behind the Kasai village to secure firewood which, their parents will use to cook food for them.

“Unfortunately, some suspected bandits intercepted them and took them to an unknown destination.

“We do hope and pray that peace and security will be restored in our state”, he added.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Abubakar Sadiq, is also yet to respond to enquiries by Channels Television. (Channels TV, excluding headline)