At least 50 people have been confirmed dead following a series of bandit attacks on communities in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
According to eyewitnesses, the armed men stormed the villages on motorbikes, opening fire indiscriminately and setting houses on fire.
Worshippers inside a mosque were also attacked during early morning prayers.
Confirming the killings on Tuesday at the Katsina State House of Assembly, Hon. Aminu Ibrahim, who represents Malumfashi constituency, described the situation as “unbearable” for residents who can no longer live safely in their villages.
Worshippers gunned down, families burnt alive
Mr. Ibrahim disclosed that 30 people were killed inside the mosque, while another 20 were burned alive in their homes.
The attacks occurred between Monday night and Tuesday morning in communities such as Gidan Adamu Mantau, Unguwar Yar Mai Dabo, Makera in Karfi ward, and Burdigau in Yaba ward.
Residents said they had earlier spotted strange movements and alerted soldiers in the evening, but the troops left shortly before the gunmen returned at dawn.
The lawmaker corroborated the villagers’ account, insisting that the tragedy could have been prevented.
One survivor, who requested anonymity, said:
“We told the soldiers what we saw, they came and stayed for a short while, then left. By dawn, the bandits returned.”
Govt delegation visits victims’ families
In response to the massacre, the Katsina State Government sent a delegation led by Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Faskari, to commiserate with affected families.
Speaking on behalf of the governor, who is on medical leave, Mr. Faskari described the killings as a “deeply painful and heartbreaking tragedy.”
He assured residents that the administration remains committed to restoring peace and strengthening security in rural areas.
The government confirmed that 32 worshippers were killed during prayers but stressed that the overall death toll was still being verified.
Military operations, airstrike, and fresh calls for action
Officials disclosed that an airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force disrupted the attackers while they attempted to abduct residents, causing captives to scatter into the bush.
On Wednesday, Acting Governor Faruk Jobe met with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, in Abuja to press for stronger military backing.
“Our people deserve to live in safety and dignity,” Jobe said. “We will continue to work hand in hand with the Armed Forces until this menace is defeated.”
The Katsina massacre is the latest in a wave of rural violence that has plagued Nigeria’s North-west for years.
Armed gangs, commonly referred to as bandits, have carried out mass killings, kidnappings and extortion across farming communities.
