One dead, seven hurt as bandits attack spark revenge in Katsina

A suspected bandit attack that locals say killed a well-known community member has led to revenge attacks in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The violence happened in Gora in Gorar Dansaka Ward, Gidan Barau in Na’alma Ward, and Gidan Maga in Dayi Ward around 11 a.m. on Wednesday.

Residents reported that seven people were injured, and movement on the Gora road was blocked for several hours as angry youths set up roadblocks.

The Dayi Ward councillor, Shafiu Isiaku, confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES that the injured were being treated in Dayi.

Locals said the bandits invaded the area on Wednesday morning, stole four to six cattle, and killed Mr Nuhu, a respected community member.

When news of his death spread to nearby communities, residents mobilized to find the attackers, and some suspected informants were reportedly arrested.

This situation led to the revenge attacks.

Residents also mentioned that there were rumors about a man from Gidan Maga being killed in Abuja after allegedly making offensive comments about Mr Nuhu’s death.

But Mr Isiaku said this reported death was not true.

Another resident, Danlami, told PREMIUM TIMES he heard the rumor but could not confirm if anyone had been killed in Abuja.

PREMIUM TIMES could not independently verify this claim.

As tensions rose, youths from neighboring communities gathered in Gora.

Malam Nafiu, a resident, said they blocked the junction, stopping vehicles from passing.

"People came from different villages. They gathered in large numbers and blocked the junction, preventing vehicles from passing," he said.

Residents reported that some houses were burned or damaged during the violence. PREMIUM TIMES has not independently verified how much damage was done.

They said hundreds of motorists were stranded on the Gora road.

According to Malam Nafiu, the divisional police officer (DPO) tried to convince the crowd to clear the road, but it was hard to control the situation.

Residents said soldiers were later sent to strengthen security in the area.

Mr Danlami, who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES from the hospital where the injured were being treated, said many of those hurt had machete wounds.

"We are at the hospital attending to our people," he said, explaining that the emergency kept him from speaking at length.

Mr Isiaku confirmed that seven people were injured during the violence and are receiving treatment in Dayi.

At the time of this report, no official casualty numbers from the revenge attacks had been released by the authorities.

When PREMIUM TIMES called Mr Nafiu again later on Wednesday, he said traffic had started moving again on the road.

"Everything has been resolved now. The traffic has cleared, and people can pass again," he said.

He added that soldiers were still in the area when they spoke.

PREMIUM TIMES made several calls to the spokesperson of the Katsina State Police Command and sent a WhatsApp message seeking official confirmation of the incident, casualty figures, arrests, and the security response.

The police spokesperson had not responded by the time this report was filed.