At least 19 people have been killed following a deadly attack by armed bandits on Gobirawa community in Kuki Ward, Dutsinma Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The attack happened around 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Witnesses said the attackers stormed the village from the nearby Dan-Musa forest, killing residents, burning homes, and abducting several others.
Among the victims were five young men who were burnt alive inside a grain silo where they had hidden to escape the gunmen. Over 20 houses and many shops were also set on fire during the raid.
A resident, Sani Abdullahi Kuki, said many of the victims were burnt beyond recognition and buried the following day. “Some people hid inside grain silos, but the attackers set them on fire. Some bodies were only recovered on Sunday morning,” he said.
He added that women, children, and elderly residents were among those abducted, while many others have fled the area, leaving the village nearly empty.
The Katsina State Police Command confirmed the attack on Tuesday. Police spokesperson DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu said five people were confirmed dead and two vehicles were burnt. He said an investigation was ongoing to track down the attackers.
Dutsinma is one of 22 local government areas in Katsina officially labelled as ‘frontline’ due to repeated terrorist attacks. The area has witnessed frequent killings, kidnappings, and destruction in recent years.
Community members are calling on both the state and federal governments to send more security personnel to protect lives and prevent further bloodshed.
