Manhunt underway as police in Katsina State hunt bandits behind a deadly attack that left multiple victims dead, reinforcing security operations across affected communities.
Police authorities in Katsina State have launched an aggressive manhunt for suspected bandits responsible for a deadly reprisal attack on communities in Kankia Local Government Area.
The State Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, ordered the operation following a series of violent incidents despite earlier security successes in the area.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, the command detailed recent operations that had disrupted criminal activities before the latest assault.
According to Umar-Fage, police operatives on April 29 foiled a cattle rustling attempt in Gadar Yan Tulu and Kartaka villages, recovering 205 livestock, including 91 cows and 114 sheep.
He added that officers also repelled an attack on Matinjin village on Saturday, forcing several bandits to flee with gunshot injuries while eight motorcycles linked to their operations were recovered.
However, the assailants later regrouped and launched coordinated attacks on Jeka da Kolo and Kwalgoro villages on Sunday afternoon.
The commissioner confirmed that the attack, which occurred around noon, resulted in the deaths of 11 persons before tactical teams were deployed to repel the attackers.
Describing the incident as “cowardly and barbaric,” Umar-Fage extended condolences to the families of the victims and assured residents that those responsible would be apprehended and brought to justice.
He disclosed that additional tactical units had been deployed to the affected communities, with ongoing bush-combing operations and coordinated patrols aimed at tracking down fleeing suspects.
The police command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state, pledging not to relent until normalcy is fully restored.
Residents were urged to remain calm, stay vigilant, and support security agencies with credible intelligence as investigations continue.
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