Bandits kill 8 in fresh attacks on Katsina communities

Eight people have been killed following coordinated attacks by bandits on several communities in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The attacks, which occurred on Wednesday night, affected Baraje, Kirijan, Shugu, Kauran Pawa and Unguwar Jika villages, leaving at least 11 other residents injured.

Witnesses said the assailants stormed the communities under the cover of darkness, firing sporadic gunshots and causing widespread panic.

One person was reportedly abducted during the raids, while several houses and business premises were vandalised.

“We were at home preparing to sleep when we suddenly heard gunshots. They vandalised shops and houses and carted away motorcycles, phones and other valuables,” an eyewitness said.

Residents described the attacks as evidence of the failure of the recent peace agreement in the state and called for more proactive security measures to address the worsening situation.

Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the Katsina State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the Police Public Relations Officer could not be reached at the time of filing this report.

However, a resident of Baraje village, Malam Nura, told Daily Trust that the attackers arrived at about midnight, flashing torchlights and shooting indiscriminately into houses.

According to him, those killed have been buried in accordance with Islamic rites, while the injured are currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Funtua.

Residents of the affected communities expressed deep concern over the renewed violence, describing the attacks as a violation of the peace agreement reached last year between bandits and local communities, under which both sides pledged to promote peace and coexistence.

They appealed to the government and security agencies to take urgent steps to protect lives and property and prevent further attacks.

When contacted, the Dandume Local Government Chairman, Bishir Sabi’u Gyazama, confirmed the attacks but declined to give further details, saying he was on his way back from Katsina.

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