At least 24 people have been killed by armed bandits in separate attacks on Jikamshi and Gwalgoro communities in Musawa and Kankia Local Government Areas of Katsina State, according to reports.
Jikamshi Market Attack
The latest incident occurred on Monday evening at Jikamshi market, where seven people were shot dead as traders were closing for the day. Residents said about 15 armed men on motorcycles stormed the market, opened fire, and looted goods worth millions of naira.
A resident and chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Musawa LGA confirmed that the victims had been buried according to Islamic rites. He described the attack as devastating and called for urgent intervention by authorities.
“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.
Victims of Jikamshi Attack
Among those killed was Tukur Aliyu, who had just returned from Lagos after attending his daughter’s wedding. Family sources said he left behind three wives, about 20 children and several dependents. One of his wives, speaking on condition of anonymity, lamented the family’s uncertain future.
“Our lives are in danger now. He was our breadwinner, struggling to keep the family going. Now he is gone, we don’t know how we will survive,” she said.
Rabi’u Ashiru, 35, a trader dealing in phones and recharge cards, was also killed in his shop at Bakin Kasuwa, Jikamshi. His wedding was scheduled to take place in a few months, it was gathered. His father, Ashiru Ba Zama, said the loss had left the family devastated.
“We are completely confused. We have lost a pillar of the family. He paid school fees, fed us and catered to our needs. We don’t know what to do,” he said, fighting back tears.
Another victim, Umar Salisu, 55, left behind about 16 children and two wives. His wife Amina said, “Let me tell you we’re finished; the future of this family is uncertain.”
Gwalgoro Village Attack
In a separate attack over the weekend, about 17 residents of Gwalgoro village in Kankia LGA were reportedly killed by bandits. Many women and children have since fled the area for safety. The incident happened on Saturday.
While the Katsina State government said 11 people were killed during the attack, residents insisted they lost 17 people. A resident who preferred not to be named for security reasons said, “Death or killing is not something you can exaggerate for whatever reason, morally and religiously, so the exact number is 17 as I told you.”
The state’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu, said 11 people were killed following a reprisal by bandits, hours after security forces succeeded in foiling an earlier assault and neutralised several members of the gang.
According to him, the violence began on May 2, when intelligence reports revealed that a notorious bandit leader, identified as Mohammadu, was leading armed men towards key bridges in Kankia LGA. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Kankia mobilised a joint security team to intercept the attackers. Security operatives engaged the bandits, neutralising several and recovering eight motorcycles as well as rustled cattle. The bandits later regrouped and launched a fresh attack on Gwalgoro village at about noon the same day, killing 11 residents.
Protest and Calls for Action
Residents of Jikamshi town took to the streets in protest following the deadly bandit attack. Witnesses said the gunmen operated in groups to divert attention. One resident said some attackers initially engaged members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (C-WATCH) who attempted to stop them, pursuing the security men away. After evading the local security team, another group advanced into the town and began shooting at residents.
Among the victims were a man returning from the market on a motorcycle, a driver, a woman seated behind him in the car, and a young child. The gunmen also targeted traders at the local market, where at least five people were shot, including a phone charging vendor and a man preparing for his daughter’s wedding.
A community source said members of the Community Watch Corps managed to neutralise one of the attackers, although his body was later retrieved by accomplices. In the aftermath, angry youths staged a protest, blocking major roads, burning tyres and restricting movement. A vehicle suspected to belong to government officials was reportedly vandalised as demonstrators expressed frustration over inadequate government response.
Residents called on authorities to urgently strengthen security, including deploying additional personnel and establishing a mobile police camp. “We need a stronger security presence. This situation is beyond the capacity of the Community Watch Corps. We appreciate the armoured vehicle provided earlier, but more needs to be done,” a resident said.
