Several persons have been killed and dozens rendered homeless following a deadly attack by armed bandits on Doma community in the Tafoki area of Faskari Local Government Area, Katsina State.
The attack, which occurred at about 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, saw the assailants set houses, shops, and vehicles ablaze, leaving widespread destruction in their wake.
Residents said the bandits, armed with sophisticated weapons including AK-47 rifles, stormed the community barely five months after a peace agreement had been reached.
Prominent traditional leaders and security personnel were reportedly among their initial targets in what authorities believe was a reprisal attack.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Faskari Local Government Council, Sirajo Daudawa, described the attack as tragic and deeply unfortunate.
“We had enjoyed relative peace over the past five months until this incident. Unfortunately, we lost no fewer than 20 people, while several houses and vehicles were burnt by the hoodlums,” Daudawa said.
He lamented that although security agencies were promptly informed, they arrived after the attackers had already carried out their operation.
“The bodies of the deceased were recovered in the Tafoki area and are scheduled for burial on Wednesday morning,” he added.
The council chairman expressed sympathy with the Doma community, Tafoki Ward, and the entire people of Katsina State, praying for divine mercy for the victims and an end to the persistent violence.
Meanwhile, the Katsina State Commissioner of Police, Bello Shehu, has condemned the attack and commiserated with the families of the victims.
In a statement issued on Tuesday night by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Sadiq, the commissioner disclosed that upon receiving the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer mobilised operatives in collaboration with the military and the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC) to the scene.
However, the statement noted that the attackers had already fled before the arrival of security operatives, after fatally shooting 13 persons.
The police said calm has since been restored to the affected community, while investigations are ongoing to track down and arrest the perpetrators.
“Further developments will be communicated in due course,” the statement said.
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