No fewer than 24 people have been killed by bandits in separate attacks on Jikamshi and Gwalgoro communities in Musawa and Kankia local government areas of Katsina State. On Monday evening, seven people were shot dead at Jikamshi market as traders were closing for the day, with gunmen also looting goods worth millions of naira. Over the weekend, about 17 residents of Gwalgoro village were killed in a reprisal attack after security forces foiled an earlier assault. Residents have protested, demanding stronger security presence. Over 40 people have been killed in Katsina in the last two months.
Key Points:
- A trader who just returned from his daughter's wedding was among those killed.
- A 35-year-old groom-to-be selling phones was shot dead in his shop.
- Residents say the situation is beyond the state government's control.
- Angry youths blocked roads and burned tyres in protest.
- Security analysts suggest political undertones as elections approach.
Sources: Daily Trust, Vanguard
