No fewer than eleven persons have been killed following a reprisal attack by bandits on communities in Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The Katsina State Police Command said the attack occurred on Sunday at about 1200hrs, when bandits regrouped and stormed Jeka da Kolo and Kwalgoro villages, fatally shooting eleven persons before police tactical teams re-mobilised and repelled the assailants.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Umar Fage, condemned the attack in strong terms and extended condolences to the families of the victims.
In a statement on Sunday night signed by the Command’s spokesman, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, the Commissioner described the attack as cowardly and barbaric, and ordered an aggressive, intelligence-led manhunt to identify and arrest the perpetrators. He also deployed additional tactical teams to the affected area.
The statement added that bush-combing operations and coordinated patrols have been intensified to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks.
The command assured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that efforts are ongoing to ensure all those involved face the full wrath of the law.
Members of the public were urged to remain calm but vigilant and provide timely and credible information to aid security agencies.
“Report suspicious movements to the nearest police station or via the Command’s emergency lines: 0815 697 7777 or 0707 272 2539. Further developments will be communicated in due course,” the statement said.
The command, however, noted that the reprisal attack followed recent operational successes against bandits in the area.