By Abu Dalisu l May 30, 2026
At least 30 people are feared dead and several others remain missing after suspected Fulani terrorists launched a deadly attack on Kiliya village in Dutsinma Local Government Area of Katsina State shortly after Friday Juma’at prayers, plunging the community into grief during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers stormed the village on motorcycles on Friday afternoon when residents had gathered to celebrate the Muslim festival following congregational prayers. The gunmen reportedly opened fire indiscriminately on villagers, killing scores of people and forcing hundreds to flee for safety.
Residents described scenes of chaos and panic as the assailants moved through the community shooting at civilians and passersby.
One survivor recounted that he and a local drink vendor narrowly escaped death by hiding inside a nearby house when the gunmen arrived. After the attackers left, he emerged to discover numerous bodies scattered across the village.
“When the shooting stopped and we came out, we found about 16 lifeless bodies, including some of my relatives,” the resident reportedly said.
Witnesses said the attack intensified after additional gunmen arrived to reinforce the initial group, resulting in more casualties and widespread destruction. Several villagers are still unaccounted for, raising fears that the death toll could increase as search efforts continue.
The assault triggered a mass exodus from Kiliya, with reports indicating that more than 400 residents fled to neighboring communities such as Bagagadi and Radda in search of safety. Families were forced to abandon their homes amid fears that the attackers could return.
Residents of nearby villages have since opened their homes to displaced survivors, many of whom arrived with little more than the clothes they were wearing. Women and children make up a significant portion of those seeking refuge.
Local sources suggested that the attack may have been a reprisal following the reported killing of two suspected bandits by villagers or local vigilantes in the area days earlier. Although authorities have not officially confirmed the motive, residents believe the assault was carried out as revenge.
As of the time of reporting, the Katsina State Police Command had not issued a detailed official statement on the incident. Police spokesperson DSP Abubakar Sadiq reportedly said the command was still gathering information and would provide updates after receiving a comprehensive report.
The latest tragedy underscores the persistent security crisis facing communities across Katsina State and other parts of northwestern Nigeria, where bandit attacks, kidnappings and killings have continued despite ongoing military and security operations.
Ironically, the attack occurred barely a day after the Katsina State Government reassured residents that efforts to improve security across the state were yielding positive results. During the Eid-el-Adha Durbar celebrations, Deputy Governor Faruk Jobe expressed confidence that ongoing operations by security agencies would restore peace to affected communities.
For the people of Kiliya, however, the festive atmosphere of Eid quickly gave way to mourning as families buried loved ones and searched desperately for missing relatives.
The attack adds to a growing list of violent incidents that have continued to devastate rural communities in Katsina, leaving residents demanding stronger action from authorities to halt the cycle of killings, displacement and fear.