Authorities in Katsina State have launched an intensified search for armed bandits responsible for a recent retaliatory assault on several communities in Kankia Local Government Area.
The state Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, noted that prior security operations had achieved significant gains against criminal groups in the area before the latest incident. According to a statement issued on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, officers had on April 29 successfully thwarted a cattle rustling attempt in Gadar Yan Tulu and Kartaka villages, recovering a total of 205 livestock 91 cows and 114 sheep.
He further disclosed that security personnel repelled another attack on Matinjin village on Saturday, forcing several assailants to flee with gunshot wounds while eight motorcycles believed to be used in their operations were seized.
However, the attackers reportedly regrouped and launched fresh assaults on Jeka da Kolo and Kwalgoro villages around midday on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of 11 people before tactical teams intervened and pushed them back.
The police chief condemned the killings, describing them as senseless and brutal, and extended sympathies to the bereaved families. He assured residents that those behind the violence would be apprehended and brought to justice.
Additional tactical units have since been deployed to the affected areas to reinforce security presence, while coordinated patrols and bush-combing operations are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects.
Residents have been urged to remain alert and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information as efforts continue to restore stability.