At least 16 people have been killed in coordinated attacks on villages in Katsina State and communities in Plateau State, raising fresh concerns over insecurity in Nigeria’s northern and central regions. The incidents, which occurred on May 5, 2026, have left several others injured and many residents displaced.
In Katsina, armed assailants stormed multiple villages, opening fire on residents and setting homes ablaze. Local sources said the attackers arrived in large numbers, catching villagers off guard and forcing many to flee into nearby bushes for safety. Security operatives have since been deployed to the affected areas to restore order and prevent further escalation.
In Plateau State, similar violence was reported in rural communities where gunmen carried out raids that resulted in casualties and destruction of property. Survivors described scenes of panic as the attackers moved from house to house, leaving death and devastation in their wake.
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Authorities have not yet released detailed identities of the victims or the exact locations of the attacks, but security agencies have confirmed that investigations are ongoing. Reinforcement teams have been sent to both states to bolster patrols and intelligence gathering in a bid to track down the perpetrators.
The spate of violence comes amid ongoing efforts by security forces to curb banditry and armed attacks across the region. Community leaders have called for increased protection and a stronger government response to prevent further loss of life.
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