Bandits on Tuesday struck the villages of Farun Bala, Falale, and Kadobe in Jibia Local Government Area, Katsina State, killing 15 people and leaving several others injured.
The attack comes a year after these communities had begun enjoying peace following a local agreement with bandits who had previously terrorised residents across multiple local government areas in the state.
A senior Jibia local government official, speaking anonymously, said the violence was sparked by an earlier clash between local vigilantes and repentant bandits.
He explained that the suspected bandits were reportedly moving through the area with stolen cattle when local security operatives intercepted them.
During the confrontation, three of the suspects were allegedly killed.
“What happened was unfortunate. This was an area that had started enjoying peace after long negotiations. But the actions of some local security operatives may have ignited this fresh violence,” the official said.
He added that after the three bandits were killed, armed men regrouped and attacked Kadobe, Farun Bala, and Falale in large numbers.
“What followed was a wave of terror—gunshots, screams, and chaos. By the time the dust settled, at least 15 lives had been lost,” he said.
Sources close to the repentant bandits said the peace deal in Jibia remains in place but warned that any acts capable of provoking armed groups could undo the hard-earned calm.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Katsina State, DSP Sadik Aliyu, and the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu, confirmed the attack.
Mu’azu stated that security operatives, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and Civilian Watch (C-Watch), along with community leaders, were quickly deployed to the area and successfully restored order.
He noted that the swift, coordinated response prevented further deaths and helped stabilise the situation.
