Eleven people have been confirmed dead, while two others sustained injuries following an attack by suspected bandits on Gurbi community in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The injured victims were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, while the bodies of those killed were released to their families for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
The Katsina State Police Command said the incident occurred around 2:40 pm on April 26, 2026, when armed assailants stormed the village and shot residents before security operatives arrived.
Police spokesperson Abubakar Sadiq said a joint team comprising police, military personnel, and other security agencies swiftly responded after receiving a distress call.
He added that the attackers fled upon sighting the approaching security forces, and calm has since been restored in the area.
Sadiq said the Commissioner of Police, Ali Fage, has deployed additional tactical teams to prevent further attacks.
He also directed the Divisional Police Officer and Area Commander to strengthen intelligence-driven patrols and improve collaboration with other security agencies and community stakeholders.
The command expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured the public that efforts are ongoing to identify, arrest, and prosecute those responsible.
Residents were urged to remain calm and provide relevant information to support investigations.
The incident adds to a series of recent attacks across parts of the country. In a similar development, gunmen recently killed at least 29 people in communities in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State after opening fire during a football match, forcing residents to flee.