No fewer than 16 persons are feared dead, while several others remain missing, following a deadly attack by suspected bandits on Kiliya village in Dutsinma Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The attack occurred on Friday afternoon, shortly after residents had concluded Juma’at prayers and gathered to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.
According to reports by Channels Television, the assailants, who arrived on motorcycles, stormed the community and opened fire indiscriminately on residents, causing panic and forcing many to flee for safety.
A resident of the village, who spoke on condition of anonymity, recounted the terrifying incident, saying he narrowly escaped death after taking cover inside a nearby house.
“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,” he said.
The resident added that when the gunfire subsided and they emerged from hiding, the scale of the tragedy became evident.
“When the shooting eventually stopped, and we came out, we found about 16 lifeless bodies, including some of my uncles and cousins,” he said.
Several residents are still reportedly unaccounted for, raising fears that the death toll could rise as search efforts continue.
Sources within the community suggested that the attack may have been carried out in retaliation for the recent killing of two suspected bandits by local vigilantes or villagers.
One source explained that the assailants may have targeted the village as an act of revenge.
“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,” the source said.
The attack has heightened concerns over the worsening security situation in parts of Katsina State, where communities continue to face recurring threats from armed bandits involved in killings, kidnappings, and cattle rustling.
As of the time of filing this report, the Katsina State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident or confirm the casualty figures.
Residents are calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further attacks, especially during the festive period.