At least two persons have been confirmed dead and five others injured following a suspected bandit attack along the Guga–Turare road in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on April 20, when armed assailants reportedly blocked the road and opened fire on unsuspecting travellers and residents.

Security sources said a joint patrol team in Bakori responded promptly after receiving distress calls. On arrival, operatives found seven victims with gunshot wounds and immediately evacuated them to a hospital in Bakori for treatment.

According to the sources, three of the injured were admitted at the Bakori facility, while four others were referred to the General Hospital in Funtua due to the severity of their conditions.

Two of the victims, identified as Nura and an unidentified woman, were later confirmed dead. Two others are said to be in critical condition, while the remaining victims are responding to treatment.

The victims were said to be residents of Kakumi, Guga and neighbouring communities.

Eyewitness accounts indicated that the attackers fled the scene after dispossessing one of the victims of a motorcycle and other personal belongings.

In a related development, a separate clash was reported last Saturday near Kakumi, involving security operatives and suspected bandits. During the exchange of gunfire, one suspected bandit was reportedly killed and his motorcycle recovered.

A member of the Community Watch Corps (C-Watch) sustained injuries in the encounter and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Katsina.

Security agencies said efforts have been intensified to track down the perpetrators of the latest attack, while investigations are ongoing. Authorities assured that further updates would be provided as the situation develops.

The incidents underscore persistent security challenges in parts of Katsina State, particularly in rural communities, despite ongoing operations by security forces.

Culled from Fasaha Stream