Bandits gun down farmers in Katsina

At least 15 farmers were reportedly killed when bandits stormed Gakurdi village in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State on Tuesday.

The development comes hours after over 40 farmers were slaughtered by Boko Haram fighters in Borno State.

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A resident told Daily Trust that the victims of the Katsina attack were killed while preparing their farms ahead of the rainy season.

He said the bandits, who rode on four motorcycles, were initially headed for Gakurdi village. He said when they sighted the farmers, they began shooting.

“They came around 8:30 am today (Tuesday), using four motorcycles and started killing the people. Three were killed on the same farm and eventually it was discovered that up to 15 were killed on different farms,” he said.

He added that by the time the villagers discovered what was happening, the attackers had fled the area.

In a related development, bandits rustled over 100 cows at Danye Gaba village, Bugaje ward also in Jibia LGA.

Danne Gaba village is said to be about two kilometres away from the 17 brigade, a military barracks in Katsina.

A resident who craved anonymity, said the cows, belonging to about seven persons were taken away by the rustlers around 1:30am on Tuesday.

He alleged that the movement of the criminals was known since around 8pm on Monday and different security agencies were alerted but no proactive measure was taken until the bandits struck.

However, another resident who confirmed the incident said there was exchange of gunfire between the criminals and the security agents during the attack.

When contacted for confirmation, the police spokesman in Katsina, SP Gambo Isah, said, “Right now, we are there with the CP to access the situation.”