At least eleven people have been killed following a reprisal attack by suspected bandits on Jeka da Kolo and Kwalgoro villages in Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State. Furthermore, the Katsina Reprisal Attack Leaves 11 Dead and has deeply affected both communities.
Security sources said the attack occurred on Sunday around midday when armed men regrouped and stormed the communities, shooting indiscriminately at residents. The assault came shortly after a series of reported security operations in the area, confirming reports that the Katsina Reprisal Attack Leaves 11 Dead.
The Katsina State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued through its spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Sadiq. According to the Command, tactical teams were quickly re-mobilised to the affected villages and succeeded in repelling the attackers, although not before eleven people had been killed in the Katsina Reprisal Attack Leaves 11 Dead event.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar Fage, condemned the attack, describing it as “cowardly and barbaric,” and extended condolences to the families of the victims. He also ordered an intelligence-led manhunt aimed at identifying and arresting those responsible.
The police said additional tactical units have been deployed to the area, while bush-combing operations and coordinated patrols have been intensified to prevent further attacks and track fleeing suspects. Residents were urged to remain calm but vigilant and to report suspicious movements to security agencies.
Authorities linked the incident to ongoing counter-banditry operations in the region. The Command recalled that on April 29, security operatives foiled a cattle rustling attempt in Gadar Yan Tulu and Kartaka villages, recovering 205 animals. On May 2, another attempted attack in Matinjin village was disrupted, forcing suspected bandits to retreat with injuries and leaving behind operational motorcycles. In summary, Katsina Reprisal Attack Leaves 11 Dead and highlights the persistent threat faced by residents.
The Katsina State Government also condemned the killings, describing the deliberate targeting of civilians as an act of terror. In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, the government expressed condolences to bereaved families and urged continued cooperation between residents and security agencies.
The statement further noted that intelligence reports had previously indicated movements of armed groups led by a suspected bandit kingpin, Mohammadu Fulani, toward communities in Kankia. Security forces reportedly intercepted and engaged the group in an earlier operation, leading to casualties among the attackers and recovery of stolen livestock and motorcycles.
However, officials said the group later returned in a retaliatory attack that resulted in the killings.
Authorities stressed that sustained intelligence sharing between communities and security agencies remains critical to preventing further violence and restoring stability in the affected areas.
