16 Feared Dead As Suspected Bandits Attack Katsina Community After Friday Prayers

No fewer than 16 people are feared dead following a deadly attack by suspected bandits on Kiliya village in Dutsinma Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The attack reportedly occurred on Friday afternoon, May 29, shortly after residents concluded their Juma’at prayers and gathered to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.

According to local accounts, the assailants initially entered the community on motorcycles before launching a violent assault that sent residents fleeing for safety.

An eyewitness, who spoke anonymously, described the terrifying moments the attack unfolded.

“After the Friday prayers, we were sitting together when I called a boy selling local drinks and bought a bowl from him. Suddenly, the bandits arrived. The boy and I ran into a house and hid,” the witness said.

“While inside, we heard screams and gunshots everywhere. When the shooting eventually stopped and we came out, we found about 16 lifeless bodies, including some of my uncles and cousins.”

Residents said the attackers moved through parts of the village, opening fire and targeting residential areas, leaving several people dead and many others missing.

The incident has forced numerous villagers to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighbouring communities amid fears of further attacks.

Some residents believe the assault may have been a reprisal attack linked to the recent killing of two suspected bandits by local vigilantes or community members.

“From all indications, this appears to be a revenge attack. Two bandits were reportedly killed recently, and they were believed to be members of a notorious gang. That may have triggered this brutal retaliation against the village,” a local source alleged.

As of the time of filing this report, the Katsina State Police Command had not issued an official statement regarding the incident.

The latest attack adds to growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Katsina State and the wider North-West region, where communities continue to face recurring attacks, killings and abductions by armed groups.

Residents have called for urgent intervention by security agencies to prevent further loss of lives and restore safety to affected communities.