Suspected terrorists killed at least 15 persons and left many others injured at Gakurdi village, Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State
The incident had put residents of the community, who survived the deadly invasion, on edge, as many currently took refuge in other villages.
The motorcycle-riding terrorists were also said to have burnt food and non-food items belonging to residents of the village during their operation that lasted an hour.
A traditional leader in the area, who craved anonymity, disclosed in a telephone interview that the incident was one of the most recent attacks in the state.
According to him, “The terrorists attacked the community in the early hours of today (Tuesday) and killed 15 people. They entered the community on many motorcycles when most of the villagers were still asleep.
“Most of the victims were those who were running to neighbouring villages, while some of them were killed on their farms. I learnt that many people were also injured by the terrorists.
“We are calling on the state government to come to our aid by providing a police outpost in this village to prevent future occurrence. We are afraid because these people may come back.”
However, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Gambo Isah, while confirming the incident, told journalists that the terrorists killed 12 people in the community.
The superintendent of police added that the villagers were killed while attempting to escape into their farmlands and nearby villages when the suspected terrorists stormed the community.
Isah said the Commissioner of Police, Idris Dabban, led a team of security operatives to the village for an on-the-spot assessment of the incident and normalcy had been restored in the community.
He said, “The incident is true. The bandits were at the village this morning (Tuesday) and killed 12 villagers. Some of those killed included those attempting to escape to their farmlands. The Commissioner of Police had led a team of security operatives to the village this morning.” – Thisday.
