At least 20 people have been killed and several properties destroyed following a deadly attack by armed bandits in Doma Community, Tafoki area of Faskari Local Government Area, Katsina State.
The fresh assault, which occurred barely five months after a peace agreement in the area, left many residents homeless as houses, shops and vehicles were razed by the attackers.
Chairman of Faskari Local Government Council, Sirajo Daudawa, described the incident as a suspected reprisal attack, saying prominent traditional leaders and security personnel were among the initial targets.
“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,” Daudawa said.
He disclosed that no fewer than 20 persons lost their lives during the invasion.
“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,” he added.
Daudawa explained that the bodies of the victims were recovered in the Tafoki area and were scheduled for burial the following morning.
“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,” he prayed.
Meanwhile, the Katsina State Commissioner of Police, Bello Shehu, has commiserated with families of the victims and strongly condemned the attack.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Sadiq, the commissioner ordered the deployment of additional security resources to fast-track investigations and ensure the arrest of those responsible.
According to the statement, upon receiving the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer mobilised operatives in collaboration with the military and members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC) to the scene.
However, the police noted that the attackers, who were armed with dangerous weapons and fired sporadically, had already escaped before security operatives arrived.
“Unfortunately, the assailants had fatally shot 13 persons and escaped the scene before the arrival of the operatives,” the statement said.
The police added that calm has since been restored to the affected communities, while investigations are ongoing.
“Further development will be communicated in due course,” the statement assured.
