Three killed, four injured as bandits attack Katsina communities

At least three people were killed on Sunday night after suspected bandits launched coordinated attacks on several communities in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Four other residents sustained gunshot injuries during the attacks and are currently receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.

Witnesses said the affected communities included Gobirawa, Badole, Yammama and Dayi, where the armed assailants struck in quick succession, throwing residents into panic.

According to residents, the attacks occurred in two waves, with Gobirawa and Badole suffering the worst damage as the gunmen invaded homes and opened sporadic fire.

A resident, Abdul’aziz Abdul’aziz, described the incident as a major setback after months of relative peace in parts of Malumfashi.

> “We were beginning to enjoy some peace, and people had returned to their farms. Suddenly, the bandits resurfaced with heavy gunfire,” he said.

He added that despite the danger, residents mobilised to resist the attackers.

> “What is striking is the courage people showed. They confronted the assailants without fear, even though they were outgunned,” Abdul’aziz said.

Residents, however, commended the swift response of security operatives, noting that the timely deployment of police patrol teams alongside local vigilantes helped repel the attackers and prevent further casualties.

Community members said security personnel quickly moved into the affected areas, carried out overnight patrols and restored a measure of calm.

> “We appreciate the government for responding promptly and the police and vigilantes for their presence. Their intervention saved lives,” another resident said.

Abdul’aziz further disclosed that the injured victims urgently require blood donations to aid their recovery.

Residents also appealed for a sustained security presence in the area, warning that the renewed attacks appear aimed at disrupting farming activities at the peak of the rainy season.

> “If these attacks continue, many farmers will abandon their fields, and that will worsen hunger and poverty,” another resident lamented.

Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the police were unsuccessful, as the spokesperson for the Katsina State Police Command, DSP Sadik Aliyu, did not respond to repeated calls and text messages as of the time of filing this report.