Bandits Kill 15, Injure Many In Katsina

At least 15 people have been killed and several others injured in separate bandit attacks on Dansoda and Jikamshi communities in Dandume and Musawa local government areas of Katsina State.

The attacks, according to police and residents, occurred on Tuesday evening.

A resident of Dansoda, Kabir Adamu, who confirmed the incident to journalists on Wednesday, said the bandits invaded the agrarian community at about 8:00 p.m., killing 11 people on the spot.

He said many residents were sitting outside their homes and under trees, relaxing, when the gunmen suddenly stormed the community, firing sporadically.

“People ran in different directions to escape the attack, but some of the bandits shot directly at fleeing residents, leading to the death of 11 people. They left 13 others with gunshot wounds,” he said.

Adamu added that after the attackers fled, residents cautiously emerged from hiding and discovered the casualties.

The victims were buried Wednesday morning according to Islamic rites, while the injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, he added.

Police spokesperson Aliyu Abubakar confirmed the attack but did not give the casualty figure.

He said the Commissioner of Police had ordered an investigation aimed at arresting the perpetrators of the “dastardly act.”

In a separate incident, four people were reportedly killed when bandits attacked Jikamshi town in Musawa LGA.

While the police confirmed three deaths, residents told Daily Trust that four victims lost their lives and had been buried according to Islamic rites.

In a statement on Wednesday, PPRO Aliyu Abubakar said police officers, led by the Divisional Police Officer in Musawa, responded to a distress call and engaged the attackers in a gun duel, foiling the assault.

“Unfortunately, three of the injured victims were confirmed dead by the doctor on duty, while 11 others are responding to treatment,” he said.

Residents said about 50 bandits riding on motorcycles raided the town, carting away millions of naira, mobile phones and textile materials.

Sources added that the attack was likely a retaliation after soldiers recently arrested a suspected bandit who brought stolen cows to Jikamshi market.

The incident occurred despite recent community-driven peace pacts with bandits. (Daily trust)