Bakori, Katsina State – November 11, 2025
Armed bandits launched another attack in Bakori Local Government Area late Monday night, targeting a Fulani settlement known as Gandun Sarki, located behind the Bakori Local Government Secretariat.
Local sources said the attackers rustled several animals and engaged security operatives in a fierce gun battle as they attempted to escape. The exchange of gunfire reportedly resulted in the death of one police officer, while two others sustained injuries. Some of the assailants were also said to have been killed during the confrontation.
According to eyewitnesses and members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), who spoke on condition of anonymity, the attackers were sighted earlier in the evening riding on about 43 motorcycles, with an estimated three armed men per bike. Bakori residents reported that they monitored the bandits’ communications on walkie-talkies, hearing them coordinate the attack in Fulfulde.
The latest incident comes just weeks after the signing of a peace agreement between some bandit groups and five local government councils in southern Katsina, including Bakori. However, while other areas have reported relative calm, Bakori continues to suffer frequent assaults.
Observers believe the renewed attacks may be linked to the unwillingness of some bandit groups to fully embrace the peace process, despite ongoing engagement efforts.
Malam Mahdi Danbinta Guga
Reacting to the situation, Mahadi Danbinta Guga, a respected community leader and commentator, expressed disappointment over the repeated breaches of the peace accord.
In a Facebook post, he wrote:
“You don’t have to be in the opposition, a pessimist, or a dissenter to unhesitatingly conclude that the ‘peace accords’ orchestrated and negotiated in Bakori LGA have become obsolete!
The Local Government experienced only two days of relative peace after the deal. Since then, we have suffered incessant attacks where lives and properties were lost, people kidnapped or injured, cattle rustled, and the community left in psychological trauma.
Yesterday, Monday, 10th November 2025, two Fulani settlements — Rugar Alhaji Lawal and Saleh at Layin ’Yannehu, Guga Ward — were robbed of their animals. Gidan Kaɗo settlement was also attacked and looted. Bakori town itself was not spared; it suffered a bandits’ attack at Gandun Sarki, but for the quick intervention of the combined security forces, the damage would have been devastating.
We truly appreciate the efforts of the Air Force, the Army, the Police, and the unconventional security personnel who repelled and neutralized the assailants.”
Residents have called on government and security agencies to intensify operations and review the peace process to ensure that it produces lasting results.
Disclaimer:
This report is based on verified community sources and social media statements from local residents. Official confirmation from security agencies was still being awaited at the time of publication.
