At least 24 people have been killed in renewed bandit attacks across Katsina State, with deadly raids recorded in Musawa and Kankia local government areas.
The latest incident occurred on Monday, May 4, 2026, when armed men stormed Jikamshi market in Musawa LGA as traders were closing for the day.
Witnesses said about 15 gunmen on motorcycles opened fire and looted shops before escaping. Seven people were killed.
Among the victims was Tukur Aliyu, who had recently returned from Lagos after attending his daughter’s wedding. He left behind three wives, about 20 children and several dependents.
Also killed was Rabi’u Ashiru, 35, a phone and recharge card trader, who was shot in his shop while preparing for his wedding. Another victim, Umar Salisu, 55, left behind two wives and about 16 children.
Residents said the attackers operated in coordinated groups, with some engaging local security personnel while others attacked traders and commuters in different parts of the market.
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In a separate attack on Saturday, May 2, 2026, bandits struck Gwalgoro village in Kankia LGA. While authorities put the death toll at 11, residents insisted that 17 people were killed and buried according to Islamic rites.
Officials said the attack followed a reprisal after security operatives earlier intercepted armed men and recovered motorcycles and rustled cattle.
The violence triggered protests in Jikamshi, where residents blocked roads, burnt tyres and demanded stronger security presence, citing repeated attacks and slow response from authorities.
The Katsina State Police Command confirmed the Kankia attack and said joint security teams had been deployed to track the attackers.
Despite the recent violence, troops recorded a major success on March 6, 2026, when the Nigerian Army neutralised 45 suspected bandits during a fierce gun battle in Danmusa LGA. The operation also claimed the lives of a captain and two soldiers.
Overall, more than 40 people have been killed in Katsina State between March and May 2026 in a wave of attacks linked to banditry and reprisal violence, underscoring the continuing insecurity in the region.