Many feared de@d, scores missing as bandits attack Katsina community after Juma’at prayers

“No fewer than 16 persons are feared dead and several others are unaccounted for following a brazen attack by suspected bandits on Kiliya village in Dutsinma Local Government Area. The tragic assault occurred on Friday afternoon, May 29, plunging the community into grief. 

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The victims were reportedly celebrating the Eid-el-Kabir festivities and relaxing outdoors just after concluding their Juma’at prayers when the assailants struck. According to local reports, the attackers initially rode into the community on two motorcycles, triggering immediate panic among the villagers. 

An eyewitness, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, recounted the harrowing moments the peace was shattered.

“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. 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”he said

The armed men reportedly went on to target specific residential areas, striking fear into the heart of the community. The sudden outburst of gunfire left numerous victims fatally wounded, and scores of fleeing residents have since abandoned their homes to seek refuge in neighboring villages. 

Some residents believe the attack might have been a reprisal by bandits following the reported k!lling of two suspected members of a notorious criminal gang by local vigilantes or villagers days earlier.

“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 source said

The Katsina State police command is yet to comment on this recent development.