No fewer than 11 people have been killed in a reprisal attack by suspected bandits in Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu, confirmed the incidents in a statement issued on Sunday, saying the violence followed a failed initial attack by the armed group.
According to him, intelligence reports indicated that a notorious bandit leader, Mohammadu Fulani, had mobilised fighters and was advancing toward strategic bridges in the area. A joint security team led by the Divisional Police Officer in Kankia intercepted the group, engaging them in a fierce gun battle.
“Several bandits were neutralised during the operation, while eight motorcycles and rustled cattle were recovered,” Mu’azu said, adding that the swift response was aided by credible intelligence from local residents.
However, the attackers later regrouped and launched a fresh assault around midday on Gwalgoro Village in Gyaza/Kunduru Ward, where 11 civilians were killed in what authorities described as a retaliatory strike.
Describing the incident as a “cowardly act of terror,” the commissioner extended condolences to the families of the victims and commended security operatives for their efforts in thwarting the initial attack.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to share timely information with security agencies.
