Kaduna ward raises alarm over fate of 32 in captivity
The wave of killings in parts of Katsina State continued on Monday as “repentant bandits” engaged vigilance groups, leaving about 15 persons dead in Falale and Kadobe villages of Jibia Local Council.
 
A Government House statement, yesterday, confirmed that “the incident resulted in the loss of 15 lives”, noting that security forces have since restored order and stabilised the situation.
 
According to the statement by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Muazu, “security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Civilian Watch (C-Watch), and community leaders worked together to bring the situation under control.

“This collaborative effort demonstrates the strength of our security partnership and community engagement. The joint operation prevented further loss of lives and restored peace to the affected villages.”
 
It continued: “We appeal to residents to remain calm and allow security forces to complete their investigation. We understand the pain and loss experienced by the families affected. We are committed to ensuring justice and preventing future incidents.
 
“Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s administration remains focused on bringing lasting peace to Katsina State. Nothing will distract us from our commitment to secure lives and property. We will remain resolute in our efforts.
 
“It should be emphasised that Jibia local government has been peaceful for over one year as a result of strategic security responses deployed by the Radda-led administration.
 
“The state government, therefore, calls on all residents to report suspicious activities to security agencies.
 
“Community cooperation remains critical to achieving sustainable peace and security across Katsina State.”
 
The latest attacks further indicate that the so-called peace deals by a cross-section of local government areas with bandits have broken down.
 
Jibia is among the areas that entered into the apparently dubious peace deals, along with Dandume, Faskari and Kankara, among others.
 
Meanwhile, residents of Kutaho and Kugir communities in Aribi Ward of Kagarko council area of Kaduna State have raised the alarm over the continued captivity of 32 villagers abducted by bandits more than a month ago.
 
Residents said the kidnappers have demanded a N30 million ransom and four motorcycles for their release; otherwise, they have threatened to kill them.
 
The victims were reportedly kidnapped during a midnight raid on February 9, 2026, when armed bandits invaded the farming communities, firing gunshots and forcing residents out of their homes before taking dozens of people to an unknown destination.
 
Community members, who spoke to journalists on the incident, said the abducted victims include women, children and a pregnant woman.
 
A resident, Elisha Musa, recounted that the attackers stormed the community in the early hours of the day, shooting sporadically before whisking away several residents.
 
The youth leader of Kutaho community, Adams Solomon, said the attack has forced many residents to flee their homes for fear of further violence.
 
Another resident, David Amana, explained that the community has struggled to negotiate with the bandits due to widespread poverty and lack of infrastructure.
 
He noted that the community lacks telecommunications network coverage, making it difficult to reach security agencies during attacks.
 
Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Aribi Ward, Kenyi District, Kagarko LGA, Rev. John Maiaper, said the recurring attacks have crippled farming activities in the communities, which rely mainly on agriculture for survival.
 
Maiaper, who is also the cleric in charge of the Baptist Church in Kutaho community, disclosed that a few years ago, the community was widely known for ginger farming, regretting that this is no longer the case.

Similarly, a community leader, Pastor Bello Danasabe, lamented that the economic situation of residents has worsened due to insecurity.