At least 10 worshippers were killed when bandits struck in Yasore community in Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State, on Tuesday.
The victims were said to be observing Magrib prayer when the bandits opened fire on them.
sources confirmed that the dead bodies were buried on Wednesday morning while those who sustained injuries are being treated in the hospital.
It is believed that the bandits came from their hideouts in Birnin Gwari forest in Kaduna State.
The bandits, who attacked the community at about 6:30pm on Tuesday, were also reported to have burnt many houses in the community.
A resident, who pleaded anonymity, said the attackers came despite the ongoing military and police offensive.
“We have seen the impact of the recent military onslaught against these criminals because their attacks are not as frequent as it used to be but it is still very difficult for farmers to harvest their farm produce,” he said.
He added that many residents who survived the deadly invasion had fled to the headquarters of Batsari Local Government for safety.
Confirming the incident, SP Gambo Isah, Police Public Relations Officer in the state, said the attackers were on reprisal mission against the outlawed Yan’sakai (vigilantes).
“The bandits were on reprisal mission. 10 people were killed while 11 others were injured,” he said
Recently, members of Yan’sakai have been going round the community, killing people and the bandits went there on a revenge mission.
He warned that, “Any member of Yan’sakai caught henceforth would be treated as bandits. Yan’sakai remain outlaw in the state,” he said.
First published in Daily Trust
