Armed bandits have attacked Ingawa town in Katsina State, injuring several residents and looting homes, barely weeks after a peace parley was held between local government officials, traditional leaders, and community representatives.
The attack, which occurred late Tuesday night and continued into the early hours of Wednesday, threw the town into fear and confusion. According to local sources, the attackers were heavily armed and moved freely from house to house, stealing valuables and assaulting residents.
A resident who spoke to journalists said the bandits operated for several hours without resistance, forcing many people to flee their homes for safety.
“Yesterday night, armed bandits attacked Ingawa town in Katsina State, moving house to house with heavy weapons, looting residents and injuring people,” the source said. “This is coming just weeks after a peace parley with local government officials and traditional leaders in Kankia Local Government Area.”
Ingawa town is located in Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State, one of the areas that has been affected by banditry and rural insecurity in recent years. The town is largely agrarian, with residents depending on farming, trading, and small-scale businesses for survival.
According to eyewitnesses, the attackers arrived in large numbers and struck at night when most residents were asleep. They reportedly broke into homes, stole money, food items, livestock, and other valuables, and injured some residents who tried to resist or escape.
Although the exact number of injured persons could not be confirmed, sources said several people sustained varying degrees of injuries. Some were treated locally, while others were said to have been taken to nearby health facilities.
Many families reportedly fled Ingawa town during the attack, seeking refuge in nearby villages and bush areas to avoid being harmed. Women and children were among those who escaped in the middle of the night.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the Katsina State Government or security agencies confirming the attack or providing details of casualties and arrests.
The attack has raised serious concerns among residents, especially because it occurred shortly after a peace parley was held with bandits. The dialogue reportedly involved local government officials, traditional rulers, and community leaders in Kankia Local Government Area.
Such peace meetings are often organized as part of efforts to reduce violence, encourage dialogue, and allow communities to return to normal life. However, the latest attack has led many residents to question the credibility and enforcement of the peace agreement.
“What does this attack say about the credibility and enforcement of the peace deal?” the resident asked. “People believed things would improve, but now we are back to fear.”
Peace parleys between government representatives and bandit groups have become common in some parts of the North-West, including Katsina, Zamfara, and parts of Kaduna. While some of these agreements have led to temporary calm, others have collapsed, leading to renewed attacks.
Katsina State has been one of the states worst hit by banditry in Nigeria’s North-West region. For several years, armed groups have carried out attacks on villages, highways, and farmlands, leading to loss of lives, kidnapping for ransom, cattle rustling, and mass displacement.
Many rural communities in Katsina have been forced to abandon farming due to fear of attacks. Schools have also been affected, with some closed in the past due to insecurity.
Ingawa and neighbouring communities have experienced attacks in the past, although there have been periods of relative calm following military operations and peace talks.
The Katsina State Government has previously adopted a mix of military action, dialogue, and community engagement to address insecurity. Security agencies, including the military, police, and civil defence, have also conducted operations in affected areas.
Despite these efforts, residents say attacks still occur, especially in remote and rural areas where security presence is limited.
Following the latest attack, residents of Ingawa are calling on the government and security agencies to act swiftly to restore confidence and protect lives and property.
Some community members expressed frustration, saying repeated attacks have made it difficult for people to live normal lives.
“We cannot sleep with our eyes closed,” a resident said. “People are tired. We need serious action, not just meetings.”
Others urged the government to strengthen security patrols, improve intelligence gathering, and ensure that those behind the attacks are arrested and prosecuted.
Traditional leaders in the area are also expected to play a role in calming tensions and supporting efforts to restore peace.
As of Wednesday evening, neither the Katsina State Government nor the state police command had issued an official statement on the Ingawa attack. Residents say the lack of immediate response has added to their fear and uncertainty.
In past incidents, authorities have often assured residents of investigations and deployment of security personnel after attacks. Community members are now waiting to see whether similar steps will be taken in this case.
The attack in Ingawa comes at a time when security remains a major challenge across many parts of northern Nigeria. Armed banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence continue to affect daily life in several states.