At least 14 people have lost their lives after a violent confrontation between local vigilantes and a group of suspected repentant bandits in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.
A counter-insurgency platform, Zagazola Makama, reported that the incident occurred on Tuesday after a peace understanding between residents of Falale and Kadobe villages and a faction of bandits who had earlier surrendered broke down.
Sources familiar with the development said mistrust between the communities and the former bandits worsened the situation, despite ongoing attempts by the state government to address insecurity through dialogue and other non-military strategies.
The tension reportedly escalated into violence at about midday when both sides engaged in a fierce confrontation.
During the clash, members of the vigilance group were said to have killed three of the suspected bandits.
The incident, however, sparked a swift retaliatory attack by the armed group, leading to the death of 11 vigilantes drawn from the affected communities.
The Katsina State Police Command confirmed the development, noting that security operatives were promptly deployed to the area after the authorities received reports of the violence.
Security agencies, including troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA and police personnel, later met with community leaders and other stakeholders in a bid to calm tensions and prevent further escalation.
Authorities said calm has since returned to the affected communities while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.
