Just in: Bandits kill 24, raid multiple communities as Katsina mourns

DDM News

A fresh wave of deadly attacks by armed bandits has claimed the lives of at least 24 people in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, further deepening the insecurity crisis that has plagued the region in recent years.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the fatalities include 20 farmers who were working in their fields, three local residents killed during night raids, and one operative of the Community Watch Corps (C’watch).

In addition to the killings, several people were abducted, and livestock was stolen in multiple coordinated assaults across farming communities.

According to Daily Trust, the attacks unfolded over several days in villages such as Yargoje, Kwakware, Danmarke, Gidan Dawa, and Burdugau, all within Kankara LGA.

The armed bandits reportedly descended on these villages while residents were engaged in farming activities, executing a series of deadly raids that left many families in mourning.

Another major incident occurred in Marmara village, also in Kankara LGA, where security volunteers were ambushed.

The group, made up of C’watch personnel and members of the civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), came under sudden attack.

One member of the C’watch was killed, while two JTF operatives sustained gunshot wounds.

Following the ambush, the bandits proceeded into Marmara village itself, killing three more civilians during a late-night incursion.

That same night, several other communities located east of Kwakware also came under siege.

Reports from the area confirm that more residents were abducted, and additional livestock was rustled in the coordinated attacks.

A resident speaking anonymously suggested that the escalation in violence in Kankara may be connected to recent peace deals struck in neighbouring local government areas.

According to the source, the absence of a unified peace strategy across all affected LGAs could be driving the bandits toward areas without such agreements.

“So long as there will be a peace agreement in one place and not in all other affected areas, there is every tendency that the bandits will strike where they are not in peace with,” he said.

Despite the string of tragedies, the Katsina State Police Command recorded a small victory in Sabuwa LGA.

Acting on a distress call, police operatives engaged suspected kidnappers in a firefight in Mazare village.

The confrontation led to the rescue of four abducted victims, including three women and a baby girl, who were all found unharmed.

Two civilians injured during the rescue operation are currently receiving treatment, the police confirmed.

As residents mourn and fear grows, local leaders and citizens are calling for a comprehensive, state-wide security response that addresses the root causes of rural violence and offers long-term protection for vulnerable communities.

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