Nigeria: 16 killed in bandit terror attacks in Katsina, Plateau
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
At least 16 people were killed in separate attacks in Katsina and Plateau states on Sunday, as insecurity flared again in northern Nigeria. In a related incident, the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company confirmed the abduction of two staff members in Ogun State.
Police say bandits stormed Jeka da Kolo and Kwalgoro villages in Kankia Local Government Area around noon on Sunday. Eleven people were shot dead before police tactical teams repelled the assailants.
Katsina Police spokesman Abubakar Sadiq described the attack as “cowardly and barbaric.” Commissioner of Police Ali Fage has ordered an intelligence-led manhunt and deployed additional tactical teams to the area. Bush-combing operations and patrols have been intensified to track the fleeing attackers.
Authorities believe the assault was a reprisal for recent security operations. On may 5, police foiled a cattle rustling attempt at Gadar Yan Tulu and Kartaka villages, recovering 205 animals. On May 5, operatives disrupted another attack on Matinjin village, forcing several bandits to flee with gunshot injuries and seizing eight motorcycles.
The Katsina State Government condemned the killing of civilians, calling it “an act of terror.” It urged residents to stay calm but vigilant and to share credible information with security agencies.
In Fan District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, gunmen ambushed residents returning home around 9 p.m. on Sunday.
Four people were killed on the spot, and a fifth later died in the hospital, according to resident Bot James. “The gunmen opened fire on the victims without warning,” he said.
Rwang Tengwong, Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders, confirmed the attack and called it “unfortunate and condemnable.” He urged security agencies to step up protection for communities to prevent further violence. The incident has heightened tension in the area.
The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company reported that two of its staff were abducted on may along the Ibadan/Ijebu Ode road in Ogun State. Their identities have not been released.
“We are deeply concerned about this situation, and our thoughts are with our colleagues and their families at this difficult time,” IBEDC said in a statement on Monday.
The company said it is working with security agencies and supporting the families of the victims. It declined further details, citing the sensitive nature of ongoing rescue efforts, but promised updates as the situation develops.
