Bandits, over the weekend, killed 49 persons in Katsina, Kebbi and Benue communities. At least 19 bodies were recovered following a deadly attack by bandits on the Gobirawa community in Kuki ward of Dutsinma Local Government Area, Katsina State.
The attackers, who stormed the village on Saturday night, began shooting indiscriminately, killing several people on the spot.
Daily Trust gathered that some residents who sought refuge inside grain silos were set ablaze. Their charred remains, some burnt beyond recognition, were recovered on Sunday morning for burial.
Residents said many shops were destroyed, and between 15 to 20 houses were set on fire by the assailants.
A resident of Kuki, Sani Abdullahi Kuki, recalled that the bandits had attacked the area last year, killing seven people.
He said this time, the terrorists invaded Gobirawa around 9 p.m. and that about 19 bodies were recovered – some shot, others burned.
As of 11 a.m. on Sunday, when he spoke to Daily Trust, he said some residents were still unaccounted for.
“Apart from those already recovered, some of the injured are receiving treatment at the Dutsinma General Hospital, while others have been referred to Katsina for more advanced care,” he said.
“As we speak, almost all the women have deserted the village. Many people were abducted, including women and children. I saw no fewer than 20 vehicles transporting women out of the village, not to mention the numerous tricycles and motorcycles.
“I left the village around 11 a.m. because I couldn’t bear the sight, especially the bodies burnt beyond recognition,” he added.
Kuki said the residents of Gobirawa have been doing their best to defend the community, but warned that if they are overpowered, the terrorists could advance to Kuki town and then to Dutsinma.
He therefore called for urgent and robust security intervention in the area.
Also speaking, Abdurrahman Abdullahi, Chairman of the Katsina State Coalition of Civil Societies and a resident of Dutsinma, confirmed that as of Saturday night, 14 bodies had been recovered from the attack.
He said some victims were burnt beyond recognition after being set ablaze while hiding.
Abdullahi added that based on reliable information he received, about six shops were razed, and at least seven women were abducted by the assailants.
He called on the government to take decisive action, stressing that any government that fails to protect the lives and property of its citizens should be deemed a failure.
“The Kuki area has become a frequent target of attacks lately. What’s most alarming is that in the past, bandits avoided attacks during the dry season because they could easily be spotted.
“But this year, they are emboldened enough to strike almost daily in broad daylight. What should we then expect during the rainy season?” he asked.
When contacted for confirmation, the Police Public Relations Officer in Katsina, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, did not answer phone calls. However, he responded to a text message from our reporter, saying, “I will get back to you, please.”
Terrorists unleash terror across Katsina LGAs
In a wave of coordinated violence, terrorists launched multiple attacks across Katsina State earlier last week, leaving several people dead or abducted and destroying properties.
In the Bakori Local Government Area, bandits stormed Runji village in the early hours of Tuesday,
injuring one person, abducting two others, and stealing a large number of cattle.
The attack came less than 10 hours after vigilante groups repelled a similar assault in Unguwar Galadima, also in Bakori.
That same Tuesday, another group of attackers invaded the General Hospital in Sabuwa Local Government Area, killing a laboratory technician and a security guard.
The brazen assault on a government health facility has sent shockwaves through the local community.
In Faskari LGA, a separate incident occurred on the outskirts of the town, where a local farmer was shot dead and another individual was abducted by the gunmen.
These renewed attacks point to a troubling resurgence of banditry in Katsina State, underscoring the urgent need for more decisive and coordinated security responses to stem the growing insecurity.
The Katsina State Chapter of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has expressed deep concern and strong condemnation over the renewed wave of deadly attacks by armed bandits across the southern part of the state, particularly in Funtua, Sabuwa, Kankara, and Faskari local government areas.
In a statement on Friday by its state coordinator, Abdullahi Kabir, the coalition said “These tragic developments are unacceptable and they demand urgent attention and a robust response.”
The coalition called on the Katsina State Government to review its current security strategy and adopt a more localised, community-driven approach by empowering vigilante groups and traditional institutions.
Gunmen kill 30 farmers, traders in Kebbi, Benue
At least 30 lives were lost in fresh attacks by gunmen in Kebbi and Benue states.
In Kebbi State, 15 farmers were killed at Waje village in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area by suspected bandits while working on their farms at the weekend.
Local sources said the victims were ambushed, with three others managing to escape with injuries.
A resident, Aliyu Ahmad Wasagu, expressed shock over the attack, saying it came at a time when residents believed normalcy had returned to the area.
“We were surprised the attack came just when we thought normalcy had returned to Danko Wasagu communities,” he said, noting that prior attacks in previous years had kept farmers away from their farms.
He commended the efforts of the current administration in restoring calm, until this tragic resurgence.
The state government, in response, donated N24 million to support the victims’ families.
Representing Governor Nasir Idris, deputy governor Senator Umar Tafida described the gesture as a modest effort to assist the bereaved and injured, and assured residents of renewed efforts to enhance security, especially along routes used by bandits from neighbouring Zamfara, Niger, and Sokoto states.
District Head of Waje, Alhaji Bala Danbaba, commended the state’s swift response and urged it to permanently block access routes exploited by attackers.
While the Kebbi Police Command, through its spokesman CSP Nafiu Abubakar, confirmed 10 fatalities, the Chairman of Danko Wasagu LGA, Alhaji Hussaini Aliyu Bena, insisted 15 people were killed and three injured.
Meanwhile, in Benue State, another 15 individuals-mostly traders-were reportedly killed by gunmen around Ogwumogbo and Okpo’okpolo in Agatu LGA.
The victims were said to be returning from the Oweto market when they were ambushed near a stream called Abekoko.
John Ikwulono, a former vice chairman of Agatu LGA, said the attack occurred Saturday evening and described it as “quite terrible.”
Among the dead was a man identified as Ali from Ogwumogbo, along with four others whose identities are yet to be verified. Several others sustained injuries.
An aide to Agatu LGA Chairman Melvin James, who received a call during the burial of some victims, attributed the attack to armed herders.
The state Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Mohammed Risku, could not be reached for comment, while the association’s secretary, Ibrahim Galma, said he was unaware of the incident but promised to investigate.
As of press time, the Benue State Police Command said it had yet to receive a formal report on the incident.
The latest killings bring the death toll in Benue between April 1 and May 17 to at least 174, though locals suggest actual figures could be higher due to unreported attacks in remote areas.
Multiple LGAs, including Gwer East, Guma, Otukpo, and Kwande, have seen rising violence, but Sankera remains the worst-hit, with 83 deaths recorded in just five days between April 17 and 21.
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has called for unity among the state’s ethnic groups in tackling the growing insecurity. Speaking during a visit to his home LGA, Vandeikya, the governor urged citizens to abandon political and communal divisions in favour of a united response. (Daily Trust)
