Suspected bandits have killed 19 people and destroyed several homes and shops in Gobirawa village, located in Kuki ward of Dutsinma Local Government Area of Katsina State.
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The Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, confirmed the attack and said five people were killed and two vehicles were burnt. He added that an investigation is ongoing to track down the perpetrators and prevent similar incidents.
Residents, however, reported a higher death toll, insisting that 19 people lost their lives during the late-night assault, which occurred around 9:00 p.m. on Saturday. The attackers were said to have come from the nearby Danmusa forest and launched an indiscriminate attack on the village.
Eyewitnesses said many victims, including women, children, and the elderly, died while hiding in grain silos that were set on fire. Charred bodies were reportedly recovered the next day, with some burnt beyond recognition.
More than 20 houses were destroyed, all shops in the community were looted and burnt, and several residents were abducted. Survivors were seen being evacuated in over 20 vehicles to safer areas.
The attackers reportedly fled the scene when an Armoured Personnel Carrier approached the village. Residents have called for urgent government intervention as the violence continues to spread closer to the local government headquarters.
