By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Katsina
Suspected bandits on Saturday afternoon launched a deadly attack on Kuka Mai Damisa village in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing no fewer than seven residents and injuring three others.
Residents said the attackers, who arrived on eight motorcycles, stormed the community at about 2:30 p.m. and operated for nearly one hour without resistance before fleeing the area.
The broad daylight assault reportedly threw the village into chaos as terrified residents abandoned their homes and businesses amid sustained gunfire from the armed men.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said the attackers invaded the community unexpectedly and began shooting sporadically, forcing villagers to run for safety.
“We were sitting peacefully in the afternoon when we suddenly started hearing gunshots from different directions. Initially, many people thought the attack was happening in another village, but moments later we received information that the bandits had entered Kuka Mai Damisa,” the source said.
According to him, panic spread rapidly as residents fled in different directions while some villagers were allegedly pursued by the attackers.
“We saw people running helter-skelter while the bandits chased some residents trying to escape. Everyone was desperately looking for where to hide because the gunshots were intense,” he added.
Community sources confirmed that seven adult males lost their lives during the attack, while three injured victims are currently receiving treatment at a medical facility.
“One of the injured persons sustained a serious fracture during the attack. They are still receiving medical attention,” the resident disclosed.
Villagers also expressed frustration over the absence of security intervention during the prolonged operation, alleging that the attackers operated freely before leaving the community unchallenged.
The latest incident has heightened tension across Matazu and neighbouring communities already grappling with recurring attacks by armed groups in parts of Katsina State.
Residents called on security agencies and the government to strengthen surveillance and improve response time to distress calls from vulnerable rural communities frequently targeted by bandits.
“We often report suspicious movements to community leaders and relevant authorities, but in many cases help only comes after the attackers have completed their operation,” the resident lamented.
Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the Katsina State Police Command were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
However, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Aliyu Abubakar Sadiq, said he would verify the incident and respond accordingly.
