Eleven people have been killed in Gwalgoro village in Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State following a reprisal attack by suspected bandits.
The state Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs confirmed the incident in a statement signed by the Commissioner, Nasiru Mu’azu, who also expressed sympathy to the families of the victims and condemned the killings.
According to the statement, the violence started on May 2, 2026, when intelligence reports showed that a bandit leader, Mohammadu Fulani, was leading armed men towards important locations in Kankia with criminal plans. Community members quickly alerted security agencies.
The Divisional Police Officer in Kankia led a joint security team to confront the attackers. During the operation, several bandits were killed, and security forces recovered eight motorcycles and stolen cattle, now in police custody.
However, the bandits later regrouped and launched another attack on Gwalgoro village in Gyaza/Kunduru Ward around midday. During this second attack, 11 residents were killed in what the government described as a cowardly act against innocent people.
The state government strongly condemned the attack and praised security forces for stopping the earlier assault. It also called on residents to stay alert and continue sharing information, while assuring its commitment to protect lives and property across the state.