16 Feared Dead as Suspected Bandits Storm Katsina Village During Eid Celebration

Panic and mourning have gripped Kiliya village in Katsina State after suspected bandits launched a deadly afternoon attack that residents say left at least 16 people dead and several others missing.

The attack happened on Friday in Kiliya community, located in Dutsinma Local Government Area, shortly after residents returned from Juma’at prayers and gathered to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.

Witnesses described terrifying scenes as armed men riding motorcycles reportedly invaded the village and opened fire on residents and passersby without warning.

A survivor who spoke anonymously said villagers were relaxing after prayers when two gunmen suddenly appeared, causing panic across the area.

“People started running when they saw them, but the gunmen ordered everyone to stop,” the eyewitness said. “Moments later, they moved towards a mechanic’s house and suddenly began shooting at residents and passersby.”

The resident explained that he narrowly escaped death after hiding inside a nearby house alongside a local drink seller.

“While inside, we heard screams and gunshots everywhere. When the shooting stopped and we came out, we saw about 16 bodies on the ground, including some of my uncles and cousins,” he added.

Residents said the attackers were later joined by more armed men, worsening the assault and forcing hundreds of villagers to flee the community.

Local sources disclosed that more than 400 residents have escaped to nearby Bagagadi and Radda villages for safety, while several persons are still missing.

Some bodies were reportedly discovered on surrounding farmlands, raising fears that the casualty figure could increase as search efforts continue.

Community sources suspect the attack may have been a revenge mission following reports that local vigilantes or villagers recently killed two suspected members of a notorious bandit gang operating in the area.

“From all indications, this appears to be retaliation,” one source claimed. “Two bandits were reportedly killed days ago, and they were believed to belong to a dangerous gang.”

As of Saturday evening, the Katsina State Police Command had yet to release an official statement on the attack.

When contacted, police spokesman Abubakar Sadiq said the report had not formally reached the command but assured that updates would be provided after verification.

The latest incident adds to growing insecurity across Katsina State, where rural communities continue to face repeated attacks, kidnappings and mass displacement linked to armed bandit groups.

Just days before the attack, Deputy Governor Faruk Jobe had reassured residents during the Eid-el-Adha Durbar Festival that the government remained committed to restoring peace across the state.

“Our government will not relent until every community sleeps with two eyes closed,” he said during the event in Katsina.