Suspected repentant bandits have killed no fewer than 18 persons, with several others injured in Falale village in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The incident occurred at about 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, when a group of vigilantes on patrol in Falale village intercepted three suspected repentant bandits.
A gun battle ensued, resulting in the neutralisation of the suspects.
In retaliation, suspected armed bandits attacked the village, killing at least 15 residents.
The spokesperson for the Katsina State Police Command, Abubakar Sadiq, stated that upon receiving the report, a joint team of security operatives was immediately deployed to the scene, restoring normalcy in the affected community.
He added that an investigation had commenced to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Muazu, in a statement issued on Tuesday in Katsina, revealed that some members of the vigilante group from the affected villages engaged repentant bandits in a gunfight, resulting in the neutralisation of three suspects.
He said that the incident triggered a violent reprisal attack by suspected bandits on the communities, which resulted in the killing of 15 additional persons in the communities.
Muazu further said that security personnel from the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Civilian Watch (C-Watch), and community leaders worked together and brought the situation under control.
“The joint operation prevented further loss of life and restored peace in the affected villages,” he said.
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