Residents of Kiliya village near Bagagadi in Dutsinma Local Government Area of Katsina State have been thrown into mourning after armed men reportedly killed at least 16 people in a deadly attack that occurred shortly after Juma’at prayers on Friday, May 29, 2026.
The attack, which witnesses described as brutal and unprovoked, has also displaced hundreds of residents, forcing many to flee their homes in search of safety.
According to local sources, the gunmen stormed the village shortly after worshippers had concluded Friday prayers. Initial reports indicate that two armed men arrived on motorcycles before opening fire on residents.
One witness, who survived the attack, recounted the horrifying incident.
“I had just bought a bowl of local drink from a boy after prayers and was sitting with others when the bandits arrived,” he said.
“People started running, but they shouted at us not to run. Suddenly, they began shooting. The boy and I ran into a nearby house to hide. We heard screams and continuous gunshots. When it finally stopped, we came out and saw about 16 bodies, including some of my uncles and cousins.”
Residents said the attackers continued firing indiscriminately as villagers attempted to escape. Several victims were reportedly found in nearby bushes and farmlands after the assault.
A 14-year-old eyewitness told reporters that additional gunmen arrived after the shooting had already begun, suggesting that the attack involved a larger group than initially believed.
The massacre has triggered a mass displacement of residents from Kiliya village.
Witnesses said more than 400 people fled to neighbouring Bagagadi village for safety, while others sought refuge in nearby Radda and surrounding communities.
Many of those displaced reportedly left behind their homes, farms, livestock, and personal belongings as fear spread across the area.
The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents linked to armed bandit groups operating across parts of Katsina State and Nigeria’s North-West region.
Reacting to inquiries about the incident, the spokesperson for the Katsina State Police Command, Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, said the report had not yet reached the command at the time of inquiry.
He, however, assured that the police would provide updates once the incident is formally reported and verified.
The latest attack has once again highlighted the growing insecurity facing many rural communities in Katsina State, where residents continue to grapple with recurring attacks, kidnappings, and killings by armed groups.
As grieving families prepare to bury their dead, residents are calling on security agencies and government authorities to take urgent action to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further bloodshed.
