By Charles Maduka
The Katsina State Police Command has confirmed a deadly attack by armed bandits on Gobirawa Community in Dutsinma Local Government Area, leaving several people dead and properties destroyed.
Police spokesman DSP Abubakar Sadiq said the attack, which occurred on Saturday night, led to the death of five people, while two vehicles were also set ablaze. He added that an investigation is ongoing to apprehend the culprits and prevent future occurrences.
However, eyewitness accounts suggest the toll may be much higher. A resident, Sani Abdullahi Kuki, reported that no fewer than 19 people were killed on the spot when the attackers, suspected to have come from the Danmusa forest, stormed the community around 9:00 pm, firing indiscriminately.
He further revealed that the attackers burned down over 20 houses and all shops in the area, abducted several people—mostly women, children, and the elderly—and left many others unaccounted for. Some victims, according to him, were burnt beyond recognition, while others were taken to hospitals in Dutsinma and Katsina.
Kuki described the situation as out of control, saying many residents have fled in fear. He appealed to the government and security agencies for urgent help, warning that the violence was creeping closer to the local government headquarters.
According to him, “Some who hid in grain silos were set ablaze. Others were buried after being retrieved the next morning. Many survivors have now been evacuated in over 20 vehicles to safer locations.”
Residents continue to demand stronger security presence in the region as fear and tension grow across affected communities.
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