Bandits have attacked a community in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing several residents, destroying houses, shops, and vehicles, and leaving many people homeless.

The assault occurred in Doma Community, Tafoki area of the LGA, at about 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

The attackers, armed with weapons including AK-47 rifles, invaded the community five months after a peace agreement had brought relative calm to the area.

The Chairman of Faskari Local Government Area, Mr. Sirajo Daudawa, described the incident as a suspected reprisal attack.

“The situation is indeed very unfortunate. We have not recorded any bad moments over the past five months, except for this that we found ourselves in,” he said.

“We lost at least 20 people. Several houses and vehicles were burnt down by the hoodlums. Security agencies were duly informed, but unfortunately, none of them was able to report to the scene until after the bandits achieved their mission.

“The bodies of the deceased were retrieved in the Tafoki area and will be buried tomorrow [Wednesday] morning,” he added.

“We are sympathising with the Doma community, Tafoki ward, Faskari LGA, and Katsina State people in general over this tragedy. May Almighty Allah have mercy on those killed and bring this to an end.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, Mr. Bello Shehu, commiserated with the families and friends of the victims.

Mr. Shehu also condemned the attack and directed the deployment of additional resources to expedite the investigation and ensure the arrest of those responsible.

In a statement issued on Tuesday night by the spokesman of the Katsina State Police Command, Mr. Abubakar Sadiq, the Commissioner said the Divisional Police Officer mobilised operatives, in collaboration with the military and members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC), to the scene.

He noted that the assailants had fatally shot 13 persons and fled before security operatives arrived.

Police added that normalcy has since been restored to the affected area.

“Further developments will be communicated in due course,” the statement said.