No fewer than eleven persons 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.
The Katsina State Police Command confirmed that the attack occurred when the armed assailants reportedly regrouped and stormed the two communities, opening fire on residents.
According to the Command, police tactical units were swiftly re-mobilised to the area and engaged the attackers, forcing them to retreat after carrying out the deadly assault.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Umar Fage, condemned the incident in strong terms.
“The Commissioner of Police strongly condemns the cowardly and barbaric attack and extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims,” the statement read.
He further directed “an aggressive, intelligence-led manhunt to identify, track, and arrest all perpetrators of this heinous crime,” while ordering the deployment of additional tactical teams to the affected communities.
The Command also disclosed that bush-combing operations and coordinated patrols have been intensified to prevent further attacks and apprehend fleeing suspects.
Residents were urged to remain calm, vigilant, and assist security agencies with credible information.
“Members of the public are advised to report suspicious movements to the nearest police station or via emergency lines: 0815 697 7777 or 0707 272 2539. Further updates will be communicated in due course,” the statement added.
The police noted that the latest attack followed recent operational successes against banditry in the area, including the foiling of a cattle rustling attempt last month in Gadar Yan Tulu and Kartaka villages, where 205 animals were recovered.
Similarly, security operatives reportedly repelled another attack on Matinjin village earlier this month, injuring several bandits and recovering eight motorcycles.
Meanwhile, the Katsina State Government also condemned the killings, describing the attack as a deliberate act of terror against civilians.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, the government expressed condolences to the bereaved families and praised the efforts of security agencies.
Intelligence reports, according to the statement, indicated that a notorious bandit leader, Mohammadu Fulani, led armed men toward strategic locations in Kankia with criminal intent.
It said community alerts enabled security forces to intercept the attackers in an earlier operation.
“Community members alerted security agencies, prompting the Divisional Police Officer of Kankia to lead a joint team that intercepted the bandits, neutralised several of them, and recovered rustled cattle and motorcycles,” the statement noted.
However, the government said the group later carried out a retaliatory attack around midday in Gwalgoro Village, resulting in the deaths of eleven persons.
It commended security personnel for their swift response and urged continued intelligence sharing between residents and security agencies.
“That intelligence partnership is what made the first interception possible — and it will continue to save lives,” the statement added.
