At least 24 people have been killed by bandits in Katsina State following a series of brutal attacks across farming communities in Kankara Local Government Area.
Residents say the violence began, when armed men stormed farmlands in Yargoje, Kwakware, Danmarke, Gidan Dawa, and Burdugau.
“About six days ago, bandits attacked farmers in these villages,” a local resident, who asked not to be named, told Daily Trust.
“They killed about 20 farmers, kidnapped some, and made away with the animals they used to work their land.”
The bloodshed didn’t stop there.
On Monday, June 16, the attackers targeted Marmara village, where they clashed with local vigilantes, including members of the community watch corps and civilian JTF.
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“They engaged a team outside the village and killed a C’watch member,” another source explained. “Two members of the civilian JTF were also injured. Then they moved into the village and killed three more residents.”
That same night, the bandits struck again, hitting communities east of Kwakware. Residents were kidnapped, animals were rustled, and the exact number of victims remains unclear.
Some locals believe the renewed wave of violence could be linked to recent peace deals in neighbouring areas.
“So long as there will be a peace agreement in one place and not in all other affected areas, there is every tendency that the bandits will strike where they are not in peace with,” one resident observed.