At least 11 people have lost their lives in a renewed wave of violence after suspected bandits launched a retaliatory assault on communities in Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Police authorities in Katsina confirmed that the incident occurred around midday on Sunday, when armed assailants regrouped and invaded Jeka da Kolo and Kwalgoro villages.
The attackers reportedly opened fire on residents, killing 11 individuals before security operatives moved in and forced them to retreat.
The State Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar Fage, strongly denounced the killings, describing the assault as senseless and inhumane.
He conveyed his sympathies to the bereaved families and directed an immediate, intelligence-driven operation to track down those responsible. Additional tactical units have since been deployed to the affected communities.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, security forces have intensified bush-combing exercises and coordinated patrols across the area to prevent further attacks and apprehend fleeing suspects.
The command reiterated its resolve to safeguard lives and property, assuring residents that all perpetrators would be brought to justice. Citizens were also encouraged to stay alert and promptly report any suspicious activity to security agencies.
Police further disclosed that the reprisal attack may be linked to recent operational gains recorded against bandits in the area.
On April 29, 2026, operatives thwarted a cattle rustling operation in Gadar Yan Tulu and Kartaka villages, recovering 205 livestock, including 91 cows and 114 sheep.
In a similar operation on May 2, 2026, security personnel repelled an attempted attack on Matinjin village, forcing several bandits to escape with gunshot wounds while eight motorcycles were recovered.
Meanwhile, the Katsina State Government also condemned the killings, characterising the deliberate targeting of civilians as an act of terror.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, the government extended condolences to the victims’ families and urged residents to remain steadfast.
Authorities revealed that prior intelligence had pointed to movements by a notorious bandit leader, Mohammadu Fulani, who was said to be mobilising armed fighters toward strategic locations within Kankia.
Acting on the intelligence, a joint security team led by the Divisional Police Officer in Kankia reportedly intercepted the group, neutralising several suspects and recovering rustled animals and motorcycles.
However, the same group is believed to have carried out the later retaliatory strike on Gwalgoro Village in Gyaza/Kunduru Ward, resulting in the eleven fatalities.
The state government praised the prompt response of security forces and stressed the importance of sustained cooperation between local communities and law enforcement agencies.
Officials noted that timely intelligence sharing had been crucial in foiling earlier attacks and would remain key to preventing further loss of life.
