By: Hikaya Newspaper
(hikaya.ng) | July 20, 2026
At least 22 people have been killed, two others injured, and 259 livestock stolen following a reported peace agreement between communities and armed groups in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State, according to multiple reports reviewed by Hikaya Newspaper.
Residents said that after the peace agreement reportedly reached in February 2025, the area experienced about one year of relative peace. However, fresh attacks later resurfaced in several communities, particularly in Daddara District, popularly known as Eastern Jibia.
According to an earlier report published by Punch Newspaper, at least 18 people were killed following a clash between suspected bandits and community vigilantes in Falale and Kadobe villages on March 17, 2026. The incident was one of the deadliest attacks recorded after the reported peace agreement.
Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, confirmed that 15 people were killed during the reprisal attack, while three community vigilantes had earlier lost their lives during an exchange of gunfire with the attackers. He said security personnel, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), community vigilante groups, and local leaders worked together to restore law and order and prevent further violence.
Mu’azu expressed sympathy to the families of the victims and reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda to protecting lives and property. He also urged residents to remain calm, continue cooperating with security agencies, and report suspicious activities. He added that Jibia had enjoyed more than a year of relative peace as a result of security measures introduced by the government.
In a separate development, residents of Daddara District told Hikaya Newspaper that attacks by armed groups, cattle rustling, and killings have continued in parts of Eastern Jibia despite previous peace efforts. They said meetings had been held between the Chairman of Jibia Local Government and community leaders, during which assurances were given that additional security measures would be introduced.
The residents alleged that on July 8, 2026, one day after one of the security meetings, suspected bandits attacked Tantagarya village, killing two residents identified as Nura and Kwaro, while another resident, Lawal, sustained injuries and was taken to the Katsina Teaching Hospital for treatment. They also alleged that a large number of livestock were stolen during the attack.
They further claimed that on July 12, suspected armed men attacked Gaba Lafiya in Riko Ward, where they rustled 30 cattle and nine sheep. They also alleged that another attack on July 15 in Mai Kaho and Yada Korai villages in Bugaje Ward claimed the life of a resident identified as Basiru and resulted in the theft of more livestock.
Residents also provided Hikaya Newspaper with information on other attacks they said occurred in recent months. They alleged that 12 cattle were stolen in Yada Korai, 40 cattle and 40 sheep in Kwari Mai Zurfi, 34 cattle and 80 sheep in Kanwa after a community vigilante member was reportedly killed, and 14 cattle in Maje village.
They further alleged that on July 17, armed men riding six motorcycles attacked Jaja village in Gangara Ward, but residents and community vigilantes repelled the attack. Although the attackers reportedly fled, they allegedly looted food items from a provision shop and injured a vigilante member who had joined efforts to defend the community.
The residents appealed to the Federal Government, the Katsina State Government, Jibia Local Government, and security agencies to intensify efforts to protect lives and property. They also called for a comprehensive review of the security situation and the implementation of lasting measures to restore peace in the affected communities.
Some residents further alleged that whenever they reported attacks to local authorities, they were reminded of the existing peace agreement with the armed groups and advised to avoid direct confrontation with the attackers. They said they had yet to receive satisfactory responses to their complaints and called for more effective measures to improve security.
As of the time this report was completed, Hikaya Newspaper had not received any official response from Jibia Local Government Council, the Katsina State Government, or the Katsina State Police Command regarding the latest allegations made by residents. The newspaper made efforts to obtain comments from the relevant authorities in line with the principles of fairness and balanced reporting, but no response had been received before publication.