16 Feared Dead as Bandits Attack Katsina Village After Friday Prayers

Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, Ali Umar-Fage

16 Feared Dead as Bandits Attack Katsina Village After Friday Prayers

KATSINA, NIGERIA – At least 16 villagers are feared dead, while many others remain missing, following an attack by bandits on Kiliya village near Bagagadi in Dutsinma Local Government Area of Katsina State . The attack occurred on Friday shortly after residents had concluded Juma’at prayers and were relaxing, holding discussions in the spirit of the Sallah celebrations .

An eyewitness from the area recounted that he first saw two bandits riding on a motorcycle. Villagers began running upon sighting them, but the attackers ordered them to stop. The bandits later went to a mechanic’s house and suddenly opened fire on residents and other passersby . “After the Friday prayers, we were sitting together with other villagers. I called a boy who was selling local drinks and bought a bowl from him when the bandits arrived. I saw two of them on a motorcycle. People started running and they told us not to run, but suddenly they began shooting,” the source said . “The boy and I ran into a house and hid. While in hiding, we heard screams and gunshots everywhere. After some minutes, the shooting stopped. When we came out, we found the lifeless bodies of about 16 people, including some of my uncles and cousins,” he added .

According to him, following the attack more than 400 people have sought refuge in Bagagadi village, while many others have relocated to Radda village for safety . He added that several residents are still unaccounted for after the attack. A resident of neighbouring Bagagadi village told reporters that more than 30 displaced persons from Kiliya village, mostly women and children, are currently taking shelter in his house . There are indications that some victims were killed on their farms, as several bodies were found in farmlands around the village . Another eyewitness, a 14-year-old boy, said he saw the first motorcycle arrive and that more attackers followed after the initial gunmen had opened fire indiscriminately on the villagers.

READ ALSO:

Sources suggest the attack may have been a reprisal for a previous incident. It was gathered that two suspected bandits were reportedly killed by villagers a few days earlier . “From the nature of this attack, it appears to be a reprisal attack because a few days ago, two bandits were killed, and reports indicated that they belonged to a notorious gang. Perhaps that is why they came to the village and carried out this attack,” a source said .

The attack on Kiliya village is the latest in a series of deadly bandit attacks across Katsina State . In recent weeks, several communities have experienced violent raids. The Katsina State Police Command has been actively working to counter these threats. On May 19, 2026, police announced the arrest of a 45-year-old man, Surajo Isyaku, over his alleged involvement in kidnapping, cattle rustling, and acting as an informant for armed bandits operating in Matazu LGA . The suspect was reportedly linked to the deadly attack on Sayaya village in Matazu LGA, during which a police officer was killed and several houses destroyed .

Similarly, in early May, troops of the 17 Brigade neutralized four suspected terrorists during a patrol along the Turare-Yantumaki Road in Dutsinma LGA, recovering one AK-47 rifle, ammunition, motorcycles, mobile phones, and cash . The neutralized suspects were identified as key figures behind a series of deadly attacks in communities within Dutsinma and Matazu LGAs . The Katsina State Government has consistently condemned these attacks. In response to previous incidents, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu, described the targeting of civilians as “unacceptable and an act of terror” . The state government has also reaffirmed its commitment to tackling insecurity and safeguarding lives and property .

When contacted, the Katsina State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, said the report of the attack was yet to reach the command, but promised to reach out as soon as the command receives the report . As of the time of filing this report, he was yet to get back to our reporter .