Gunmen have killed about 30 people in the Charanci, Safana, Kurfi, and Kaita Local Government Areas of Katsina State.

A source who pleaded anonymity in Barebari village in Safana local government area of the state said that 15 people died on the spot after the attack.

He said, “Baure village is known as a bandits’ den where they have significant control. It was a market day, and they followed people home, killing at least 15, based on the corpses we have seen so far.

“They burnt some bodies, and others are still missing. Initially, they didn’t allow anyone to retrieve the corpses, but later relented.”

“We managed to rescue over 20 people. The victims include people from Charanci, Burji, Jibiya, and Kaita. At least 25 people have been confirmed dead, while many others remain unaccounted for.”

Another resident of the community Kamilu Musa said that his nephew was among those who lost their lives to the gunmen.

It was learnt that the bandits were operating in the village and the victims ran into the bandit’s path without knowing what was happening.

Kamilu said, “The victims were members of a local vigilante group from different local governments, who went on a condolence visit to Madaddafai village over the death of one of their members.

“After the condolences, their leaders returned home, but the rest decided to proceed to the Baure village where they were ambushed by the bandits.”

The spokesperson for the Katsina State Police Command, Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu confirmed the attack.
He said, “We are still gathering information and will provide a detailed update soon.”