At least 11 people have been killed in a fresh bandit attack on a community in Katsina State, raising renewed concerns over insecurity in the North-West region.
The attack occurred in Kankia Local Government Area, where suspected bandits carried out what authorities described as a reprisal assault after an earlier attempt by the same group was foiled by security operatives.
The Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Sunday. He said the violence was linked to a failed operation by the armed group earlier in the day.
According to Mu’azu, intelligence reports had revealed that a notorious bandit leader, Mohammadu Fulani, was mobilising fighters and moving toward key locations in the area, including strategic bridges.
Acting on this information, a joint security team led by the Divisional Police Officer in Kankia moved swiftly to intercept the group. The operatives engaged the bandits in a gun battle, preventing what could have been a major attack.
Mu’azu said several of the attackers were killed during the operation, while security forces also recovered eight motorcycles and some rustled cattle believed to have been stolen by the bandits.
He added that the success of the operation was largely due to timely and credible intelligence provided by residents of the area, highlighting the importance of community support in the fight against insecurity.
However, the situation took a tragic turn shortly after the initial confrontation.
The bandits reportedly regrouped and launched another attack around midday, this time targeting Gwalgoro Village in Gyaza/Kunduru Ward. During the assault, 11 civilians were killed in what officials described as a retaliatory strike.
Describing the incident as a “cowardly act of terror,” the commissioner expressed sadness over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of the victims.
“This is a painful and unfortunate incident. Our thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones,” he said.
He also praised the efforts of security operatives who risked their lives to prevent the earlier attack, noting that their actions helped reduce the scale of destruction that could have occurred.
Katsina State, like many parts of north-western Nigeria, has faced repeated attacks by bandits in recent years. These armed groups are known for carrying out raids on villages, kidnapping residents for ransom, and stealing livestock.
The situation has forced many communities to live in fear, with some residents abandoning their homes and farms. The attacks have also affected farming activities, which are a major source of livelihood in the region.
Kankia Local Government Area, where the latest incident occurred, has not been spared from these challenges. Despite increased security efforts, bandits continue to operate in rural areas, often taking advantage of difficult terrain and limited security presence.
Security agencies have, however, intensified operations across the state, working with local communities to gather intelligence and respond quickly to threats.
Mu’azu urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies by sharing useful information that could help prevent future attacks.
“We call on members of the public to stay alert and report any suspicious movements to the authorities. Community cooperation is key to winning this fight,” he said.
In recent months, both federal and state governments have taken steps to address insecurity in the North-West, including deploying more security personnel and strengthening collaboration between different agencies.
There have also been calls for better equipment, improved intelligence gathering, and stronger coordination among security forces to deal with the growing threat.
While some progress has been recorded, incidents like the latest attack in Kankia show that the challenge is far from over.
Residents in affected communities continue to hope for lasting solutions that will bring peace and allow them to return to their normal lives without fear.
For now, the focus remains on preventing further attacks and ensuring that those responsible for the violence are brought to justice.
As security operations continue, authorities say they remain committed to protecting lives and property, but stress that success will depend on the cooperation of all stakeholders, including local communities.
The tragic loss of 11 lives in Gwalgoro Village is another reminder of the urgent need to tackle insecurity in Katsina State and across the region.