Bandits kill 22 people and injure 2 as Katsina peace deal collapses

Bandits have killed 22 people, injured two others and stolen 259 cattle in Jibia Local Government Area of ​​Katsina State, 16 months after a peace deal with the relevant parties failed.

According to Blueprint, after the peace agreement reached in February 2025, the area experienced about a year of relative peace.

However, new attacks have resurfaced in several communities, particularly in Daddara district, popularly known as East Jibia.

At least 18 people were reported killed following a clash between suspected bandits and community vigilantes in Falale and Kadobe villages on 17 March 2026.

The clash was one of the deadliest attacks recorded since the reported peace deal.

Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, confirmed on Tuesday that 15 people were killed in a retaliatory attack, while three community vigilantes had earlier lost their lives during a firefight with the attackers.

He said security personnel, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), community vigilante groups and local leaders worked together to restore law and order and prevent further violence.

Mu’azu expressed solidarity with the families of the victims and reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda to protect lives and property.

He also urged residents to remain calm, continue to cooperate with security agencies and report suspicious activities. He added that Jibia has enjoyed more than a year of relative peace thanks to security measures introduced by the government.

In a separate development, residents of Daddara district said attacks by armed groups, cattle rustling and killings continued in parts of eastern Jibia despite previous peace efforts, adding that meetings were held between the Jibia local government chairman and community leaders, during which assurances were given that further security measures would be introduced.

The residents said that on July 8, 2026, a day after one of the security encounters, suspected bandits attacked Tantagarya village, killing two residents identified as Nura and Kwaro, while another resident, Lawal, sustained injuries and was taken to Katsina Teaching Hospital for treatment.

It was also claimed that large numbers of livestock were raided during the attack.