At least 24 people have been killed in fresh bandit attacks on communities in Katsina State, with security forces also recording a major breakthrough after neutralising dozens of suspected terrorists.

The incidents, which hit Musawa and Kankia local government areas, have deepened fears over rising insecurity in the region.

Market attack leaves traders dead

The first attack occurred on Monday evening at Jikamshi market in Musawa LGA, where gunmen reportedly stormed the area as traders were closing for the day.

Witnesses said about 15 armed men on motorcycles opened fire, killing at least seven people and looting goods worth millions of naira.

Local sources confirmed that the victims were buried according to Islamic rites, describing the incident as devastating.

“The scale of the attack is enormous. The situation is beyond the state government alone,” a community leader said.

Families recount painful losses

Among the victims was Tukur Aliyu, who had just returned from Lagos after attending his daughter’s wedding.

Family members said he left behind three wives, about 20 children, and several dependents.

“Our lives are in danger now. He was our breadwinner… we don’t know how we will survive,” one of his wives said.

Another victim, Rabi’u Ashiru, a phone trader, was killed in his shop just months before his planned wedding.

His father described the loss as devastating, saying, “We have lost a pillar of the family.”

Conflicting death toll after village attack

In a separate incident, residents of Gwalgoro village in Kankia LGA reported that 17 people were killed in an attack over the weekend.

However, the Katsina State government put the figure at 11, describing the killings as a reprisal after security forces foiled an earlier assault.

A resident insisted the casualty figure was higher, saying, “Death is not something you exaggerate. We buried 17 people.”

Security forces engage bandits

According to officials, the violence began after intelligence reports revealed that a bandit leader identified as Mohammadu was advancing towards key locations in the area.

Security operatives, led by the Divisional Police Officer, engaged the attackers, neutralising several of them and recovering motorcycles and rustled cattle.

Authorities said the bandits later regrouped and launched a retaliatory attack on Gwalgoro village.

Troops record major success in Danmusa

Amid the attacks, troops reportedly neutralised 45 terrorists during a separate gun battle in Danmusa Local Government Area.

The operation is being seen as a significant counter-effort, though residents say more needs to be done to prevent recurring attacks.

Growing concern over insecurity

Residents and community leaders have called for urgent intervention, warning that continued violence could trigger a humanitarian crisis.

Many women and children have already fled affected areas, seeking safety in nearby towns.