Bandits have attacked Doma community in the Tafoki area of Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing several residents and destroying houses, shops and vehicles. The attack, which occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, came about five months after a peace agreement in the area.

The Chairman of Faskari LGA, Sirajo Daudawa, said the assault was a suspected reprisal, disclosing that at least 20 people were killed, with many properties burnt, while security agencies arrived only after the attackers had fled. He added that the bodies were recovered and scheduled for burial on Wednesday, while sympathising with the affected families and communities.

Meanwhile, the Katsina State Commissioner of Police, Bello Shehu, condemned the attack and expressed sympathy with the victims’ families.

In a statement by the police spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq, the commissioner ordered the deployment of additional security resources, noting that operatives, alongside the military and the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, were mobilised to the area, but the attackers had already killed 13 persons and escaped.

The police said normalcy has since been restored, adding that investigations are ongoing and further updates would be provided.