A deadly assault by armed bandits in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State has resulted in multiple fatalities, widespread destruction of homes, shops, and vehicles, and the displacement of many residents.
The latest violence occurred on Tuesday at about 4:30 pm in the Doma Community within the Tafoki area. Residents were caught off guard as gunmen stormed the area in what has been described as one of the most devastating incidents in recent months.
Witnesses said the attackers, who were heavily armed with weapons including AK-47 rifles, descended on the community barely five months after a peace agreement had brought relative calm. Prominent traditional leaders and security personnel were reportedly among their first targets during the invasion.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Faskari Local Government Council, Sirajo Daudawa, described the violence as a suspected reprisal attack and expressed deep regret over the loss suffered by the community.
“The situation is indeed very unfortunate. We have not recorded any bad moments over the past five months, except for this that we found ourselves.
“We lost at least 20 people. Several houses and vehicles were burnt down by the hoodlums, security agencies were duly informed, but unfortunately, none of them was able to report to the scene until after the Bandits achieved their mission.
“The bodies of the deceased were retrieved at the Tafoki area, and will be buried tomorrow morning,” he added.
Daudawa said the local government shares in the grief of those affected, noting that the scale of destruction has left families devastated and homeless.
“We are sympathising with the Doma community and Tafoki ward, Faskari LGA, and Katsina State people in general over this tragedy. May Almighty Allah have mercy on those killed and bring this to an end”.
Following the attack, the Katsina State Police Command strongly condemned the incident and announced immediate steps to address the situation. The Commissioner of Police, Bello Shehu, conveyed his condolences to the families and friends of those killed in the assault.
In addition to condemning the violence, the police chief ordered the deployment of extra personnel and resources to speed up investigations and ensure the arrest of those responsible for what he described as a dastardly act.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday night by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Sadiq, the assailants arrived armed with dangerous weapons and fired sporadically. Upon receiving the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer mobilised officers alongside military personnel and members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps to respond.
However, the police disclosed that before operatives could reach the area, the attackers had already shot dead 13 people and fled the scene.
Authorities said calm has since returned to the affected communities, while a full investigation into the incident is now underway.
“Further development will be communicated in due course, please,” the statement read.
What you should know
The attack in Faskari highlights the persistent insecurity facing parts of Katsina State despite previous peace agreements with armed groups.
Local officials say the violence may be a reprisal attack, raising concerns about the fragility of recent truces. While police and security agencies have restored calm and launched investigations, delays in response remain a key concern for affected communities.
The incident adds to growing pressure on authorities to strengthen security measures and prevent further loss of lives and property.
