Bandits Strike Katsina Village After Juma’at Prayers, 16 Feared Dead

At least 16 residents of Kiliya community in Dutsinma Local Government Area of Katsina State are feared dead after bandits attacked the village shortly following Juma’at prayers on Friday.

Many others have also been reported missing in the attack, which occurred near Bagagadi village as residents were relaxing and engaging in discussions in the spirit of Sallah celebrations.

A resident of the area recounted that he first saw two bandits arriving on a motorcycle. Villagers began fleeing upon sighting them, but the attackers ordered them to stop. The gunmen then proceeded to a mechanic’s house and opened fire on residents and passersby.

“The boy and I ran into a house and hid. While in hiding, we heard screams and gunshots everywhere. After some minutes, the shooting stopped. When we came out, we found the lifeless bodies of about 16 people, including some of my uncles and cousins,” the resident said.

He added that more than 400 people have since sought refuge in Bagagadi village, while many others have relocated to Radda village. Several bodies were also found on farmlands around the village, indicating that some victims were killed while working on their farms.

A 14-year-old eyewitness said he saw the first motorcycle arrive, and that more attackers joined after the initial gunmen had begun shooting indiscriminately.

A resident of neighbouring Bagagadi village reported that more than 30 displaced persons from Kiliya, mostly women and children, are currently sheltering in his house.

Sources suggested the attack may have been a reprisal. Two suspected bandits were reportedly killed by villagers a few days earlier, and they were believed to belong to a notorious gang.

“The nature of this attack suggests it was a reprisal. A few days ago, two bandits were killed. Perhaps that is why they came to the village and carried out this attack,” a source said.

When contacted, Katsina State police spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, said the report had not yet reached the command, but promised to provide updates once the command receives the information.