At least 11 people have been killed in a reprisal attack carried out by suspected bandits in Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The incident followed an earlier failed attack on Saturday, during which security operatives reportedly repelled the gunmen and neutralised several of them.
Confirming the development on Sunday, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, said intelligence reports indicated that a notorious bandit leader, Mohammadu Fulani, was moving with his gang toward strategic bridges in the area.
According to him, a joint security team led by the Divisional Police Officer in Kankia engaged the attackers in a gun battle, killing several of them. Eight motorcycles and rustled cattle were also recovered during the operation.
However, the attackers later regrouped and launched a fresh assault around midday on Gwalgoro Village in Gyaza/Kunduru Ward, which resulted in the killing of 11 civilians.
Mu’azu described the attack as a “cowardly act of terror” targeted at innocent residents and extended condolences to the affected families.
He commended security forces for their swift response and professionalism, noting that local intelligence played a key role in disrupting the initial attack.
The commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue sharing useful information with security agencies to help prevent further attacks, adding that the state government remains committed to restoring peace and security across Katsina.
