No fewer than six people have been confirmed dead following a bandit attack on Jargaba community in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State late Thursday, security and local sources have said.

The Katsina State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, confirmed the incident on Friday. In a phone conversation, Sadiq stated that two people died at the scene while four others who sustained injuries later died in the hospital, bringing the total number of fatalities to six.

“As for the kidnapping incident, I’m not sure. I will contact the DPO to confirm from him,” he added.

Residents say the attackers arrived in large numbers and proceeded to a location where men typically gather to socialise, opening fire without warning. Among those killed was a member of the local Community Watch Corps, identified as an assistant to the council’s commandant.

Two children were also injured during the attack. Sources in the area said the children were hit by stray bullets, and the assailants encountered no apparent resistance from either local or government security operatives.

The lawmaker representing Bakori in the Katsina State House of Assembly, Abdulrahman Ahmed, also confirmed the attack. In a statement issued on Friday, he expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the area.

“Earlier today, I received multiple distress calls from friends and relatives in Jargaba village… According to the reports I received, the attackers went straight to a common gathering spot… Without warning, the bandits opened fire… killing all six individuals present,” he said.

He added that two individuals were suspected to have been abducted from a nearby residence and that two children were later found to have died from injuries sustained during the incident.

Ahmed extended condolences to the affected families and the Katsina State government, and called for urgent and sustained security intervention.

“I have already contacted the relevant security agencies, and I am working closely with them to ensure immediate response and long-term support to the affected community,” he said.

Bakori LGA has experienced repeated security incidents in recent months. On February 5, 2025, armed men abducted retired Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga, former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, along with nine others in Tsiga, a neighbouring community.

The victims were held for 56 days before their release.

Residents and officials continue to call for improved security measures to protect lives and property in the region.