May 04, (THEWILL) — Bandits struck Gwalgoro Village in Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing 11 residents in a reprisal attack after an earlier assault was foiled by security operatives.
A statement by Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, described the attack as a retaliatory strike following the successful repulsion of the initial invasion.
Mu’azu said intelligence reports had indicated that a notorious bandit leader, Mohammadu Fulani, was advancing with armed men toward strategic locations in the area. Acting on the intelligence, a joint security team led by the Divisional Police Officer in Kankia intercepted the group, engaging them in a fierce gun battle.
“Several bandits were neutralised during the encounter, while eight motorcycles and rustled cattle were recovered,” he said, noting that the operation was bolstered by credible information from local residents.
According to the commissioner, the attackers later regrouped and launched another assault around midday on Gwalgoro Village in the Gyaza/Kunduru Ward, killing 11 civilians.
He condemned the attack as “a cowardly act of terror against innocent residents” and extended condolences to the bereaved families, while commending security personnel for their swift response, which prevented greater casualties during the earlier confrontation.
Mu’azu reiterated the state government’s commitment to restoring peace and protecting lives and property, urging residents to remain vigilant and continue sharing timely intelligence with security agencies.
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, has ordered an aggressive manhunt for the perpetrators.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, the police boss recalled recent operational successes against bandits in the area. He disclosed that on April 29, operatives foiled a cattle rustling attempt in Gadar Yan Tulu and Kartaka villages, recovering 205 livestock, including 91 cows and 114 sheep.
Umar-Fage further revealed that security operatives repelled another attack on Matinjin village on Saturday, forcing several bandits to flee with gunshot injuries, while eight motorcycles used by the criminals were recovered.
He explained that the attackers later regrouped and carried out coordinated assaults on Jeka da Kolo and Gwalgoro villages around noon on Sunday, leading to the deaths before tactical teams were mobilised to repel them.
Describing the killings as “cowardly and barbaric”, the police commissioner extended condolences to the families of the victims and assured that those responsible would be tracked down and prosecuted.
He added that additional tactical teams had been deployed to affected communities, with bush-combing operations and coordinated patrols ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects.
“We will not relent until peace and normalcy are fully restored”, Umar-Fage said, reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and cooperative as security operations intensify across the area to curb banditry and restore lasting peace.
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