The police in Katsina State have launched a manhunt for bandits responsible for the killing of 11 persons in communities in Kankia Local Government Area.
The state Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, gave the directive following a series of attacks on villages in the area, according to a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He said the attack occurred around noon on Sunday when armed bandits stormed Jeka da Kolo and Kwalgoro villages, killing 11 residents before fleeing.
Umar-Fage noted that the latest assault came despite recent successes recorded by security operatives against criminal elements in the area.
He disclosed that on April 29, police foiled a cattle rustling attempt in Gadar Yan Tulu and Kartaka villages, recovering 205 animals, including 91 cows and 114 sheep.
The police also repelled another attack on Matinjin village on Saturday, forcing the assailants to retreat with gunshot injuries, while eight motorcycles used in their operations were recovered.
However, the bandits later regrouped and carried out fresh attacks on the affected communities.
Describing the incident as “cowardly and barbaric,” the commissioner extended condolences to the families of the victims.
He assured residents that those responsible would be apprehended and brought to justice, adding that additional tactical teams had been deployed to the area to track down the fleeing suspects.
The police boss urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible information as efforts continue to restore peace in the state.
