The Police Commissioner in Katsina State, Ali Umar-Fage, has ordered a manhunt for bandits behind reprisal attacks on communities in Kankia. Umar-Fage said earlier operations had recorded major successes against armed groups in the area before the latest violence, according to a statement by police spokesperson Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He said operatives on April 29 foiled a cattle rustling attempt in Gadar Yan Tulu and Kartaka villages, recovering 205 animals, including 91 cows and 114 sheep.
The statement also said Police repelled another attack on Matinjin village on Saturday, with several bandits fleeing with gunshot injuries and eight motorcycles recovered.
The commissioner said the attackers later regrouped and struck Jeka da Kolo and Kwalgoro villages around noon on Sunday, killing 11 people before security forces intervened.
Umar-Fage described the attack as “cowardly and barbaric” and expressed condolences to the victims’ families. He added that those responsible would be tracked down and prosecuted.
The Police authorities said additional tactical teams have been deployed to affected communities, with bush-combing operations and coordinated patrols underway to pursue the suspects. They urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible intelligence to security agencies.