Bandits have attacked Doma community in the Tafoki area of Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State, leaving several residents dead and properties destroyed.
The attack occurred around 4:30pm on Tuesday, barely five months after a peace agreement was reached in the area. Armed assailants reportedly stormed the community with AK-47 rifles, setting houses, shops, and vehicles ablaze and forcing many residents to flee.
Chairman of Faskari LGA, Sirajo Daudawa, described the incident as a suspected reprisal attack, noting that the community had enjoyed relative peace in recent months before the sudden violence.
Daudawa said at least 20 people were killed, adding that security agencies were informed but arrived only after the attackers had already carried out their operation. He stated that the bodies of victims were recovered and were to be buried on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Katsina State Commissioner of Police, Bello Shehu, condemned the attack and expressed sympathy with the families of those affected. He ordered the deployment of additional security resources to investigate the incident and arrest those responsible.
Police authorities confirmed that 13 people were fatally shot before the bandits escaped, but assured that normalcy has since been restored while investigations continue.
