No fewer than 11 people have been killed in a reprisal attack by suspected bandits in Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday, explaining that the violence followed a failed earlier attack by the armed group.
According to him, intelligence reports revealed 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 and engaged them in a fierce gun battle.
Mu’azu disclosed that several bandits were neutralised during the operation, while eight motorcycles and rustled cattle were recovered. He added that the success of the operation was made possible through credible intelligence provided by 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 attack.
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 swift response in foiling the initial attack.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely information to security agencies to help prevent further incidents.
