At least 40 people have been killed in different attacks across Katsina State between March and May 2026, according to reports compiled by Daily Trust. The killings were linked to banditry, reprisal attacks, and the breakdown of local peace agreements in affected communities.
In one of the latest incidents, seven people were shot dead at Jikamshi market in Musawa Local Government Area on Monday evening as traders were closing for the day. Witnesses said about 15 armed men on motorcycles stormed the market, opened fire, and looted goods worth millions of naira before fleeing.
A local resident and chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Musawa confirmed that the victims were buried according to Islamic rites. He described the attack as devastating and called for urgent intervention from authorities, noting that the situation may be beyond the state government alone.
Among those killed was Tukur Aliyu, who had just returned from Lagos after attending his daughter’s wedding. Family members said he left behind three wives, about 20 children, and many dependents. One of his wives expressed fear about the family’s future, saying they depended on him for survival.
Another victim, 35-year-old trader Rabi’u Ashiru, was killed in his shop at Bakin Kasuwa, Jikamshi. His father said the family was deeply shocked, describing him as a major provider who supported the household and paid school fees.
In a separate attack, about 17 people were reportedly killed in Gwalgoro village in Kankia Local Government Area over the weekend. However, the Katsina State Government confirmed 11 deaths, saying the attack was a reprisal by bandits after security forces earlier killed some members of the group.
The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu, said the violence began on May 2 after intelligence reports revealed that a bandit leader was moving with armed men towards key locations in Kankia. Security forces engaged the attackers, killed several of them, and recovered motorcycles and stolen cattle.
He explained that the bandits later regrouped and attacked Gwalgoro village in retaliation, killing residents in what the government described as a “cowardly attack on innocent civilians.” The government condemned the killings and assured residents of continued efforts to restore security.
Following the Jikamshi attack, angry youths protested in the town, blocking roads, burning tyres, and expressing frustration over repeated attacks. Some witnesses said the attackers used a diversion strategy, with one group engaging local security teams while another group entered the town to carry out the assault.
Residents called for stronger security presence, including deployment of more personnel and establishment of a mobile police base. They said the situation had gone beyond the capacity of local vigilante groups.
Security agencies confirmed deployment of joint operatives to the affected areas and said efforts were ongoing to track down the attackers. Authorities assured that criminals would not be allowed to operate freely in the state.
Security analysts have raised concerns about the resurgence of violence, warning that it could worsen if not addressed properly. Some also suggested possible political factors as elections approach.
Civil society groups also criticised the situation, saying government officials should focus more on protecting lives and property rather than politics. They called for urgent and lasting solutions to end the attacks.
Earlier incidents within the same period include attacks in Bakori, Kankara, Matazu, Dandume, Musawa, and Jibia local government areas, where several people were killed, homes burned, and properties destroyed.
In one of the deadliest encounters, troops of the Nigerian Army killed 45 suspected bandits in Danmusa Local Government Area during a gun battle. However, a military officer and two soldiers also lost their lives in the clash.
Residents across the affected areas continue to call on both state and federal governments to provide stronger security measures and long-term solutions to end the ongoing violence and restore peace.