A fresh assault by armed bandits in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State has resulted in multiple deaths, widespread destruction of houses, shops and vehicles, and left many residents displaced.
The attack occurred around 4:30 pm on Tuesday in Doma Community, Tafoki area.
The assailants, wielding dangerous weapons including AK-47 rifles, stormed the community barely five months after a peace agreement, with notable traditional leaders and security personnel reportedly among their initial targets.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Faskari Local Government Council, Sirajo Daudawa, described it as a suspected reprisal attack.
He said, “The situation is indeed very unfortunate. We have not recorded any bad moments over the past five months, except for this that we found ourselves.
“We lost at least 20 people. Several houses and vehicles were burnt down by the hoodlums, security agencies were duly informed, but unfortunately, none of them was able to report to the scene until after the Bandits achieved their mission.
“The bodies of the deceased were retrieved at the Tafoki area, and will be buried tomorrow morning,” he added.
Daudawa also expressed sympathy with the affected communities, saying, “We are sympathising with the Doma community and Tafoki ward, Faskari LGA, and Katsina State people in general over this tragedy. May Almighty Allah have mercy on those killed and bring this to an end”.
Police Condemn Attack, Deploy More Operatives
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, Bello Shehu, has condoled with the families of those killed and strongly condemned the bandits’ attack.
The police chief ordered the deployment of additional resources to fast-track investigations and ensure the arrest of those responsible.
In a statement issued Tuesday night by the Katsina State Police Command spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq, it was disclosed that upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer mobilised officers alongside the military and members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC) to the scene.
However, the statement noted that the attackers had already fatally shot 13 persons and fled before security operatives arrived.
While calm has since returned to the area, investigations are ongoing.
“Further development will be communicated in due course, please,” the statement added.