Police authorities in Katsina State have launched a manhunt for bandits responsible for the killing of 11 people in communities within Kankia Local Government Area.

The directive was issued by the state Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, following a series of attacks on villages in the area. This was disclosed in a statement released by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.

According to the statement, the attack occurred around noon on Sunday when armed bandits stormed Jeka da Kolo and Kwalgoro villages, killing 11 residents before fleeing the scene.

Umar-Fage noted that the latest assault happened despite recent successes recorded by security operatives against criminal elements in the area.

He revealed that on April 29, police foiled a cattle rustling attempt in Gadar Yan Tulu and Kartaka villages, recovering 205 animals, including 91 cows and 114 sheep.

Security operatives also repelled another attack on Matinjin village on Saturday, forcing the assailants to retreat with gunshot injuries, while eight motorcycles used in their operations were recovered.

However, the bandits later regrouped and launched fresh attacks on the affected communities.

Describing the killings as “cowardly and barbaric,” the commissioner extended condolences to the families of the victims and assured residents that those responsible would be apprehended and brought to justice.

He added that additional tactical teams had been deployed to the area to track down the fleeing suspects and urged residents to remain vigilant while providing credible information to security agencies to help restore peace in the state.