Bandits Kill 24 in Katsina as Attacks Hit Two Communities

No fewer than 24 people have been killed after bandits launched separate attacks on two communities in Katsina State, deepening the security crisis in the North-West region.

What Happened in Jikamshi and Gwalgoro

The most recent attack hit Jikamshi market in Musawa Local Government Area on Monday evening, just as traders were closing for the day. About 15 armed men on motorcycles opened fire on the market, killing seven people and making off with goods worth millions of naira.

Earlier, bandits had struck Gwalgoro community in Kankia LGA, bringing the combined toll from both attacks to at least 24 deaths. The chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association in Musawa confirmed that victims had been buried according to Islamic rites and described the attack as “devastating.”

“The scale of the attack is enormous. We believe in the efforts of the state government, but the situation is beyond its control. There must be moral, financial and military support from the federal government,” he said.

Ordinary People Caught in the Crossfire

Among those killed was Tukur Aliyu, who had just returned from Lagos after attending his daughter’s wedding. He left behind three wives, about 20 children and several dependants. Rabi’u Ashiru, 35, a phone trader, was shot dead in his shop — weeks before his own wedding was scheduled to take place.

“We are completely confused. We have lost a pillar of the family,” said his father, Ashiru Ba Zama, struggling to hold back tears.

Military Action in Zamfara

On the same day, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma neutralised 45 terrorists during a gun battle in Danmusa LGA, Katsina. Separately, military forces reported neutralising bandits and recovering weapons in Zamfara State — but such operations are doing little to stop the wave of civilian attacks.

The attacks on Jikamshi and Gwalgoro are widely believed to be revenge strikes for community resistance against banditry. Local officials say the pattern is familiar: communities push back, and the bandits return in greater force.

Sources: Daily Trust, The Cable, Vanguard