At least 16 residents have been feared killed while several others remain missing following a deadly attack by suspected bandits on Kiliya community near Bagagadi in Dutsinma Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The attack reportedly occurred on Friday shortly after residents concluded Juma’at prayers and gathered in groups to relax and celebrate the Eid festivities.
According to residents, panic erupted when armed men riding motorcycles stormed the community and opened fire on villagers.
A survivor who spoke to journalists recounted how residents attempted to flee after sighting the attackers, but the gunmen allegedly ordered them to stop before shooting indiscriminately.
“After the Friday prayers, we were sitting together with other villagers. I had just bought a bowl of local drink 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 survivor said.
He explained that he narrowly escaped death after running with a local drinks vendor to hide inside a nearby house as gunshots echoed throughout the village.
“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.
The survivor further disclosed that over 400 residents have fled the community to neighbouring Bagagadi and Radda villages, while several others remain unaccounted for.
Sources said some victims were reportedly killed on their farms, with bodies later discovered in nearby farmlands.
A 14-year-old eyewitness also narrated how the attack unfolded, saying the first motorcycle carrying gunmen arrived before additional attackers joined and began shooting sporadically.
Meanwhile, a resident of nearby Bagagadi village confirmed that dozens of displaced persons, mostly women and children, are currently taking shelter in his home following the attack.
Community sources suggested the assault may have been a reprisal attack linked to the recent killing of two suspected bandits by villagers.
“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.
