Bandits have killed 22 people, injured two others and rustled 259 livestock in Jibia local government area of Katsina state16 months after a peace deal with stakeholders collapsed.
Blueprint gathered that after the peace agreement reportedly reached in February 2025, the area experienced about one year of relative peace.
However, fresh attacks resurfaced in several communities, particularly in Daddara district, popularly known as Eastern Jibia.
There was a report of the killing of at least 18 people following a clash between suspected bandits and community vigilantes in Falale and Kadobe villages on March 17, 2026.
The clash was one of the deadliest attacks recorded after the reported peace agreement.
Katsina state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, confirmed Tuesday that 15 people were killed during a reprisal attack, while three community vigilantes had earlier lost their lives during an exchange of gunfire 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 sympathy to the families of the victims and reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda to protecting lives and property.
He also urged residents to remain calm, continue cooperating with security agencies and report suspicious activities. He added that Jibia had enjoyed more than a year of relative peace as a result of security measures introduced by the government.
In a separate development, residents of Daddara District stated that attacks by armed groups, cattle rustling, and killings have continued in parts of Eastern Jibia despite previous peace efforts, adding that meetings had been held between the chairman of Jibia local government and community leaders, during which assurances were given that additional security measures would be introduced.
The residents alleged that on July 8, 2026, one day after one of the security meetings, suspected bandits attacked Tantagarya village, killing two residents identified as Nura and Kwaro, while another resident, Lawal, sustained injuries and was taken to the Katsina Teaching Hospital for treatment.
It was also alleged that a large number of livestock were rustled during the attack.