A resident, who spoke under condition of anonymity, told our reporter that eight other people were killed in the attack which began around 10 pm Wednesday.

“Three were killed together with the son of the village, Idris Haruna, in the same house, while two were the watchmen of a company, Tinna Tech. The terrorists slaughtered one of the watchmen and and shot the other with a gun.”

“They have also set two trucks of the company and one other golf car ablaze,” he said.

Another source from the town, who corroborated the narrative, also added that unspecified number of women were abducted during the attack.

He said security agents were alerted of the possible attack when the terrorists were sighted around 5pm converging around Taka-Tsaba and Yargeza villages, but nothing done to prevent the attack.

“We were assured by the security agents that there was adequate security reinforcement should there be any attack, but unfortunately the bandits operated for several hours without any challenge. Only an operation vehicle came after the attackers had left,” he said.

Residents of the area believed that two notorious bandit kingpins are currently operating in and around Jibia local government area.

There was similar attack by the terrorists two weeks ago, when some travellers from Yangayya community were attacked and nine were killed at Kwana ukku community, about two kilometers from Kukar Babangida.

Residents are already pointing accusing fingers at the leadership of the newly formed community watch corps in the local government area.

“Frankly, the boys have the zeal and commitment to protect their communities, but unfortunately those who were collecting cartridges on their behalf for distribution are actually diverting it to enrich themselves,” one of the residents alleged.

They called on the Katsina state government to investigate the matter and do the needful in order to save the area from bandits onslaught.

When contacted, Police spokesman in the state, ASP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, confirmed that nine people were killed in the attack.