Suspected bandits have killed 11 persons and injured two others in a fresh attack on Gurbi community in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, in yet another wave of deadly violence troubling Nigeria’s North-West.
The injured victims were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, while the bodies of those killed were released to their families for burial according to Islamic rites.
Confirming the incident, the Katsina State Police Command said the attackers stormed the community and opened fire on residents before security operatives arrived at the scene.
Police spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq, said a joint security response team comprising the police, military and other security agencies swiftly mobilised after receiving a distress call.
“On receipt of the distress call, a joint security team led by the Divisional Police Officer promptly mobilised to the scene,” Sadiq said.
He added that the attackers fled upon sighting the advancing security operatives.
“The hoodlums escaped as security forces approached the area, and normalcy has since been restored,” he stated.
Sadiq disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ali Fage, has ordered the deployment of additional tactical teams to the affected area to prevent further attacks.
According to him, the police commissioner also directed the Divisional Police Officer and Area Commander to intensify intelligence-led patrols and strengthen collaboration with other security agencies and community stakeholders.
“The Command commiserates with the families of the deceased and assures the public that efforts are in top gear to track, apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of this heinous act,” the statement added.
The police urged residents to remain calm and support ongoing investigations by providing useful information.
The latest attack adds to growing concerns over persistent insecurity in Katsina and other parts of northern Nigeria, where armed groups continue to target rural communities.
The incident comes amid a fresh wave of violence across the country. In a separate attack in Adamawa State, gunmen reportedly killed at least 29 people in Guyaku and Telabala communities in Gombi Local Government Area.
Witnesses said the attackers invaded during a football match at a primary school shooting sporadically and forcing residents to flee.
The renewed bloodshed has heightened calls for stronger security measures to stem rising attacks on vulnerable communities.
