Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
At least 10 residents have been killed following a violent overnight attack by armed bandits on Kiliya community in Kuki Ward, Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State, in what local sources describe as a reprisal operation linked to earlier clashes with community security operatives.
The attack reportedly occurred on Friday, May 29, 2026, in the evening hours, when heavily armed gunmen stormed the community and opened fire on residents. The assault is believed to be a retaliation after two suspected bandits were killed on Sallah Day by operatives of the Katsina Community Watch Corps (C-Watch) near the same area during a separate security encounter.
Residents said the attackers arrived in large numbers and operated with little resistance, forcing villagers to flee into surrounding bushes for safety. Several homes were reportedly torched during the raid, while victims were left scattered across different parts of the community.
Local sources further stated that the bandits later returned on Saturday, May 30, 2026, in the morning hours, disrupting burial preparations for those killed in the previous night’s attack. The armed men were said to have fired sporadically to prevent residents from carrying out proper burial rites, deepening fear and panic in the area.
Community members described the situation as devastating, saying the attack has left families displaced and the entire settlement in shock. One resident said the community had repeatedly raised concerns over insecurity but claimed that adequate protection had not been provided despite previous incidents in the area.
Security analysts note that Dutsin-Ma and surrounding local government areas have remained vulnerable to repeated bandit incursions, often characterized by reprisal attacks following confrontations with local vigilante groups or community security outfits. The pattern has raised concerns about escalating cycles of violence in rural parts of Katsina State.
As of Saturday, May 30, 2026, there has been no official confirmation of arrests linked to the attack. However, residents are calling on security agencies and the Katsina State Government to urgently deploy reinforcements to Kiliya and neighbouring communities to prevent further assaults.
Authorities are expected to provide an official briefing as investigations continue into both the initial encounter involving C-Watch operatives and the subsequent reprisal attack.
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