Gunmen kill seven villagers in Katsina

Armed bandits have killed seven villagers in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Residents told Daily Trust that many armed men attacked the community early on Thursday, firing their guns.

Sources told PREMIUM TIMES that seven people died in the attack, including a woman.

The victims were identified as Lawal Chiki, Abdullahi Mustapha, Yalili Mai Ruwa, Isau Maharba, Salma Tasi’u and Ibrahim Uncle, who was said to be mentally ill. The name of the seventh victim was not confirmed right away.

“We were asleep when we heard heavy gunshots,” a resident, who asked to remain anonymous for safety, said to Daily Trust.

“People were screaming, children were crying, and everyone was running in different directions. When the gunmen left, seven of our people were lying lifeless.”

The victims were farmers and traders who wanted to return to their normal lives after weeks of calm, thanks to security forces in the area.

This attack happened just weeks after the Katsina State Government announced emergency security measures in Matazu and the nearby Musawa Local Government Area due to rising bandit attacks and kidnappings.

The measures included limits on the sale, purchase, and transport of petrol in jerrycans, a ban on motorcycle operations, phone charging businesses, and Point-of-Sale (POS) activities in the affected areas.

These restrictions came after the abduction of retired major-general Rabe Abubakar and his wife on the Marabar Musawa, Kafinsoli road in May.

The retired officer later died while held captive, leading to new military operations like Operation Clean Sweep III by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to dismantle bandit camps around Matazu.

Residents claimed that the attack on Thursday was led by a well-known bandit named Kachallah Fulani Muhammad, who they say has carried out many deadly raids and kidnappings in Matazu and nearby communities.

One resident, Alaramma Jibrin, told Daily Trust that this same bandit was behind the kidnapping of the late retired general and his wife.

PREMIUM TIMES could not confirm this claim independently.

Residents also said that the recent violence started after troops from Operation FANSAN YAMMA left the area.

“When the soldiers were here, we could sleep without fear,” a community elder told Daily Trust. “But since they left, the bandits returned with more anger. It feels like we have been abandoned.”

Another resident, Sulaiman Sale from Sayaya, claimed that the same armed group recently blocked the Karaduwa, Rimaye road, kidnapping travelers and attacking drivers during the day.

These claims could not be confirmed independently.

Mourners gathered in Matazu to bury the victims according to Islamic customs, while many families left Sayaya for safer places, fearing more attacks.

“We cannot stay and wait to be killed,” a displaced woman said as she moved with her children.

The Katsina State Police Command spokesperson, Abubakar Aliyu, said they were still checking the facts of the incident.

“We are yet to verify the information,” he said, promising to give an update.

He had not given further comments by the time this report was made.

This latest attack shows the ongoing insecurity facing rural areas in Katsina despite military efforts against bandits.

Communities in Matazu and nearby local government areas have faced repeated attacks, kidnappings, and cattle theft, forcing many residents to leave their farms and homes.

Residents have continued to call for more security presence and long-term solutions to bring peace back to the area.