Eyewitnesses told reporters that the assailants, arriving in large numbers and wielding sophisticated weapons, fired indiscriminately while ransacking homes before fleeing with the victims.

“They came as usual, shooting sporadically and breaking into houses. They abducted five women, including nursing mothers,” a resident recounted.

In a twist of relief, two of the captives managed to escape and have since returned home. However, three women remain in the bandits’ custody, with no contact or ransom demands reported as of Monday.

The assault comes just one week after a joint military task force clashed with the same criminal gang in the area, neutralizing 19 bandits in a fierce gun duel.

Despite the military success, residents of Faruruwa and neighboring border villages continue to live in constant fear. 

Several settlements have been abandoned, with displaced families seeking refuge in Faruruwa town or migrating to urban centers like Kano City for safety.

Local leaders have renewed calls for sustained security presence, warning that without decisive action, the region risks total collapse under the weight of relentless banditry.