Tragedy struck late Thursday night in Jargaba, a community in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, as suspected bandits launched a deadly assault that left six men dead and two women abducted.
According to an eyewitness account, the attackers—believed to be heavily armed bandits—stormed the village and headed directly to a popular open space where local men frequently gather to socialize. Without any provocation, the gunmen opened fire on the unsuspecting group, killing six men instantly. Among the victims was a known aide to the commandant of the local Community Watch Corps (CWC). Additionally, two children were reportedly injured by stray bullets during the attack.
Following the shooting, the assailants proceeded to a nearby private residence, where they forcibly abducted two women. Their whereabouts remain unknown at the time of this report.
The Katsina State Police Command has confirmed the attack. In a telephone conversation with reporters on Friday, the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, verified the incident. “Yes, bandits attacked the community and shot people. Two died on the spot, while four others who sustained injuries later died, bringing the death toll to six,” he stated. However, DSP Sadiq noted that he could not confirm the abduction of the two women, adding that he would reach out to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for further clarification.
Reacting to the incident, Hon. Abdulrahman Ahmed, the lawmaker representing Bakori constituency in the Katsina State House of Assembly, condemned the brutal attack and expressed deep sorrow over the persistent insecurity plaguing the region.
“From the information available to me, the bandits attacked Jargaba community late at night,” Ahmed said. “They first went to a public place where men were gathered. The gunmen opened fire, killing all six men present. Two children were also hit by stray bullets and injured. Afterward, the attackers entered a residence and abducted two women.”
The lawmaker extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the entire Jargaba community. He called for divine intervention to end the recurring violence, saying, “We pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of those who lost their lives, and we ask Almighty God to bring an end to the insecurity affecting our communities.”
Hon. Ahmed also confirmed that he had contacted security agencies and is actively working with them to ensure both an immediate response and sustained support for the affected residents of Jargaba.
