At least 11 people have been killed by suspected bandits in Gwalgoro village, Kankia Local Government Area, just hours after security forces foiled an earlier attack and neutralised several members of the group.
The Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Sunday, May 3, 2026, and signed by its Commissioner, Nasiru Mu’azu.
He extended condolences to the victims’ families and strongly condemned the violence.
According to the statement, the crisis began on May 2, 2026, following intelligence reports that a notorious bandit leader, Mohammadu Fulani, was advancing with armed men toward key bridges in the area with suspected criminal intent.
Community members alerted security agencies, prompting the Divisional Police Officer in Kankia to mobilise a joint security team to intercept the attackers.
During the operation, security personnel engaged the bandits, killing several of them and recovering eight motorcycles along with rustled cattle, which are now in police custody.
However, the attackers reportedly regrouped and launched a retaliatory assault on Gwalgoro village in Gyaza/Kunduru Ward around noon the same day.
In the attack, 11 residents were killed in what the government described as a “cowardly assault on innocent civilians.”
The state government condemned the killings, calling the targeting of civilians unacceptable and an act of terror. It also praised security forces for their swift response in foiling the initial attack and urged residents to remain vigilant and continue sharing timely information with authorities.
The commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing insecurity and protecting lives and property across the state.
