Fresh Horror as Bandits Kill 19 in Katsina, Set Homes Ablaze

In another harrowing episode of bloodshed in Nigeria’s northwest, suspected armed bandits stormed Gobirawa, a rural community in Kuki Ward of Dutsinma Local Government Area, killing no fewer than 19 residents in a late-night onslaught on Saturday.

Residents say the attack began around 9:00 p.m. when the assailants—believed to have emerged from the volatile Danmusa forest—unleashed a wave of terror on the village, firing indiscriminately and torching properties as terrified families fled for safety.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of horror, with homes, shops, and grain silos set ablaze.

Many victims, including women, children, and the elderly, were said to have been abducted. Some who hid in silos were reportedly burnt alive.

“This is worse than anything we’ve seen,” said Sani Abdullahi Kuki, a local resident who spoke to Channels Television by phone on Monday. “The attackers didn’t just shoot—they burned people, homes, and everything in sight. We recovered bodies burned beyond recognition.”

Five of those killed were reportedly set on fire, and their burial was said to have been so emotionally distressing that some mourners could not bear to witness it in full.

Several injured victims were rushed to Dutsinma General Hospital, with critical cases transferred to Katsina General Hospital.

In the aftermath, the village lies in ruins. Over 20 houses and all local shops were destroyed.

READ ALSO: Katsina Police Kill Notorious Bandit Leader Hamisu Mopol

An unspecified number of residents remain missing, with more than 20 vehicles used to evacuate survivors to safer areas.

Kuki noted this was not the first time Gobirawa had suffered such an attack. “Last year, they came and killed seven. This time, they came back with more brutality. We need urgent help. The war is closing in on the local government headquarters.”

Despite several attempts, calls and messages sent to the Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Sadiq, went unanswered as of press time.

Residents are pleading with both state and federal authorities to strengthen security presence in the area before more lives are lost.

“An Armored Personnel Carrier was approaching when the bandits fled,” Kuki added. “But the damage was already done. We can’t keep living like this.”

The attack in Gobirawa is part of a disturbing trend of increased insecurity in the region, with communities constantly under threat from armed groups.

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