SUSPECTED bandits on Sunday afternoon launched a deadly attack on two farmers’ markets in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing at least 11 people, including a local security operative and an unidentified pregnant woman.
The attack targeted Gidan Wawu and Gidan Sarkin Noma, neighbouring agrarian communities in Guga Ward, where residents said armed assailants stormed the villages at about 4pm, as locals were returning from the weekly Guga market.
According to a community source, Mahadi Guga, who spoke with News Point Nigeria, the attackers appeared to have deliberately timed the assault to coincide with market day, when many residents had returned home after purchasing supplies ahead of the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
“They had returned from the market and were at home when they were attacked and killed,” he said.
He further explained that the attackers killed 11 people, set homes ablaze, destroyed property, and rustled livestock before escaping from the area.
Among those killed was Mujitafa Nuhu, popularly known in the area as “Officer,” a member of the Katsina Security Watch Corps (KSWC), a local security structure established to support formal security agencies.
A pregnant woman was also among the dead, although residents said her identity had not been formally confirmed as of press time.
Residents said community members later recovered the bodies and conveyed them to the Guga Primary Healthcare Centre, where funeral prayers were conducted before the victims were buried on Monday morning.
Several residents expressed frustration over what they described as the absence of government officials and security personnel during the burial.
“There wasn’t a single police officer or security personnel present during the burial,” Mahadi Guga allegedly said.
He further claimed that no senior local or state government official attended the funeral.
News Point Nigeria could not independently verify these claims at the time of reporting.
Residents also alleged attempts were made to prevent public documentation of the aftermath, claiming that some political actors discouraged residents from taking photographs or videos during the funeral proceedings.
“They don’t want the world to know the actual situation,” he alleged. PREMIUM TIMES has not independently confirmed these claims.
The latest killings come amid worsening insecurity in parts of Katsina State, where rural communities continue to face repeated attacks involving killings, kidnappings, arson, and cattle rustling.
Residents said Guga Ward had experienced multiple attacks in recent weeks, with at least five additional deaths recorded in the area prior to Sunday’s assault.
The persistent violence has further heightened fears among farming communities already grappling with displacement and economic hardship.
When contacted, Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer Abubakar Aliyu said he would provide details but had not done so as of the time this report was filed.
No official casualty breakdown or comprehensive government statement had been issued as of Monday afternoon.
Sunday’s attack adds to growing concerns over the vulnerability of rural communities in Katsina State despite ongoing security interventions across Nigeria’s troubled North-West.