At least 50 individuals have been confirmed killed in the recent bandit attacks on villages in the Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State.

This was confirmed by a member representing Malumfashi constituency in the Katsina State House of Assembly, Aminu Ibrahim, during a plenary session, saying that the attacks took place across several communities, including Gidan Adamu Mantau, Unguwar Yar Mai Dabo, Makera in Karfi ward, and Burdigau in Yaba ward.

“Thirty people were gunned down during morning prayers, and another 20 were burned alive in their homes, our people can no longer live in their villages because of these relentless attacks. The situation has become unbearable.”

A resident of Burdigau who spoke on the condition of anonymity said the villagers alerted the soldiers when astrange movement was noticed around six in the evening.

“But the soldiers came, stayed a short while, and left. By dawn, the bandits came back.” The lawmaker also clarified the story.

Following the attacks, the Katsina State Government sent a delegation, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Faskari, to condole with the bereaved families.

While speaking on behalf of the governor, who is on medical leave, Faskari expressed sadness over the killings, calling it a “deeply painful and heartbreaking tragedy”.

He further affirmed that the administration is committed to strengthening security and restoring peace.

The government confirmed that 32 people were killed while praying, but it said the final death toll was still being verified.

Officials said an airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force disrupted the attackers as they attempted to abduct residents, leading to chaotic scenes in which captives scattered into the bush.

The massacre comes amid a wave of rural violence in Nigeria’s North-west, where bandits have terrorised farming communities through kidnappings, extortion, and mass killings.

Source: Premium Times