16 Feared Killed As Bandits Attack Katsina Village

No fewer than 16 villagers are feared dead after bandits attacked Kiliya village near Bagagadi in Dutsinma Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Naija News reports that many residents were also declared missing after the attack, which occurred on Friday shortly after Juma’at prayers.

A source from the community who spoke with Daily Trust, said residents were relaxing and discussing in the spirit of the Sallah celebration when the gunmen struck.

The source said he first saw two bandits riding on a motorcycle before more violence followed.

According to him, villagers began running after sighting the attackers, but the gunmen ordered them to stop.

He said, “After the Friday prayers, we were sitting together with other villagers. I called a boy who was selling local drinks and bought a bowl from him 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 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.”

The source said more than 400 residents had fled to Bagagadi village after the attack. He added that many others relocated to Radda village for safety.

Several residents were still unaccounted for, while there were indications that some victims were killed on their farms.

According to him, some bodies were found in farmlands around the village.

Eyewitness Recounts Attack

A 14-year-old eyewitness said he saw the first motorcycle arrive before more attackers followed.

He said the gunmen opened fire indiscriminately on villagers.

A resident of neighbouring Bagagadi village said more than 30 displaced persons from Kiliya, mostly women and children, were taking shelter in his house.

Sources said the attack may have been a reprisal following the reported killing of two suspected bandits by villagers a few days earlier.

A source said, “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.”