No fewer than 11 persons have been killed following a reprisal attack by suspected bandits in Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday, explaining that the violence occurred after security operatives foiled an earlier attack by the armed group.
According to him, intelligence reports revealed that a notorious bandit leader, Mohammadu Fulani, had mobilised fighters and was advancing towards key locations in the area. A joint security team led by the Divisional Police Officer in Kankia intercepted the group, leading to a gun battle.
Mu’azu said several of the attackers were killed during the exchange, while security forces recovered motorcycles and rustled cattle. He noted that the operation was made possible through timely intelligence provided by local residents.
However, the attackers later regrouped and carried out a fresh assault on Gwalgoro Village in the Gyaza/Kunduru Ward, where 11 civilians were killed in what authorities described as a retaliatory attack.
The commissioner condemned the killings, describing the incident as a cowardly act, and extended condolences to the families of the victims.
He also commended the security agencies for their swift response in disrupting the initial attack and urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support security efforts with useful information.
