Renewed bandit attacks leave 14 dead, many injured in Katsina communities

Bandits have killed at least 14 people and injured many others in two separate attacks in communities of Dandume and Musawa Local Government Areas of Katsina State.

According to reports, the terrorists in their large numbers armed with automatic weapons, attacked Dansoda community in Dandume LGA at about 8pm, where they killed 11 people.

A resident of the area told our Correspondent that community members had finished breaking their Ramadan fast and several residents were seated outside under trees, when the bandits attacked. “People ran helter-skelter as the bandits shot sporadically, and also shot directly at some of the fleeing community members.

“After they left, we cautiously came out and it was discovered that 11 people had been killed during the mayhem”, he said.

The 11 victims were buried at about 9am Wednesday according to Islamic rites, while the injured have been taken to hospital for treatment.

As at time of filing this report, the police command in the state was yet to respond to inquiry on incident in Dandume.

Read also: Borno government to military: Regig your operational tactics to beat Boko Haram/ ISWAP

Abubakar Sadiq, the Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer, on Wednesday confirmed another bandits attack in Jikamshi community, Musawa council area same day, at about 6:10pm, killing three persons and injuring others.

According to his statement, “On March 10, 2026, at about 1805 hrs, a distress call was received at Musawa Division that suspected armed bandits, in their numbers and armed with dangerous weapons, attacked Jikamshi village, Musawa LGA, Katsina State, injuring 14 persons before the arrival of security agencies.

“Upon receipt of the report, quickly, a joint team of security agencies, led by the DPO Musawa, responded to the scene. The team engaged the bandits in a gun duel, successfully foiling the attack.

“The injured victims were immediately rushed to the nearest hospital for immediate medical attention. Unfortunately, 3 of the injured victims were confirmed dead by the doctor on duty, as 11 are responding to treatment.

“The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, condemned the attack as he directed further investigation into the matter with a view to arresting perpetrators of the dastardly act.

“Further developments will be communicated in due course”, he added.

Meanwhile, sources familiar with the incident said the bandits operated for more than an hour, looting shops and carting away food items and other valuables worth millions of naira.

It was gathered that before the incident, efforts were made by residents to reach out to security operatives as well as government officials from the area alerting them of the imminent attack.

The incident is coming on the heels of a peace agreement entered into between security-prone communities, and repentant bandits.

Part of the agreement had included the release of about 70 suspected and convicted bandits, a development that had attracted criticisms from several Nigerians.