More than thirty people have lost their lives, with others receiving medical treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Katsina, following bandit attacks on the villages of Dutsinma and Safana.

On Tuesday, 4th June 2024, around 150 armed bandits on motorcycles, as confirmed by eyewitnesses to Katsina Times, launched a brutal assault on the villages in Dutsinma and Safana. The attack resulted in the death of over 40 individuals, with many others injured, and the looting of residents' properties.

The bandits, estimated to be around three hundred, targeted the villages of Tashar Kawai Mai Zurfi, Sabon Gari Unguwar Banza, Dogon Ruwa, Sanawar Kurecen Dutsi, Unguwar Bera, Kuricin Kulawa, Larabar Tashar Mangoro, Sabaru, Ashata, and several villages in Safana Local Government Area, including Unguwar Ido, Kanbiri, Kunamawar Mai Awaki, and Kunamawar 'Yargandu. Additionally, on Wednesday night and early Thursday morning, they revisited Dogon Ruwa, 'Yar Kuka, Rimi, Lezumawa, and other villages near Safana on the border with Dutsinma.

Currently, residents from over 15 villages have fled their homes, with some seeking refuge in Dutsinma town and others in Turare village to escape the bandits' threat.

Some affected individuals told Katsina Times that while they were in the midst of searching for bodies to bury, they saw the bandits reappear but were unsure of their destination.

In relation to the incident, attempts to get a statement from the Katsina State Police spokesperson were unsuccessful at the time of this report.

Bandit attacks have been escalating in various parts of Katsina State, with recent incidents reported in Batsari, Kankara, and Faskari.

This week, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, visited Katsina State, where he toured the 17 Brigade barracks and headquarters to boost the morale of the soldiers. Additionally, Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umar Radda, stated that significant progress has been made in combating banditry in the state, achieving a 70% success rate.