Twenty-four residents have been killed following separate assaults by armed bandits on Jikamshi and Gwalgoro communities in Musawa and Kankia local government areas of Katsina State in September.

The latest incident happened Monday evening at Jikamshi market, where gunmen on motorcycles opened fire on traders as they were closing for the day, killing seven people and making away with goods worth millions of naira.

At the same time, security forces said they killed 45 terrorists during an engagement with armed groups in Danmusa Local Government Area.

A local leader and chairman of MACBAN in Musawa described the situation as devastating and called for urgent federal support, saying the scale of the attacks has gone beyond what the state can handle alone.

Among those killed was Tukur Aliyu, who had just returned from Lagos after attending his daughter’s wedding. He is survived by three wives and about 20 children, and his family says they are now facing an uncertain future without him.

Another victim, 35-year-old trader Rabi’u Ashiru, was shot dead at his shop in Jikamshi while preparing for his wedding scheduled for later this year. His father said the family has lost its main provider and is struggling to cope.

A former member of the Jikamshi security committee said the attacks look coordinated and are aimed at destabilizing the area, adding that some individuals who had claimed to repent are still active.

Another victim, 55-year-old Umar Salisu, left behind two wives and around 16 children. His family described the attack as the worst tragedy they have experienced.

Community members are now appealing for immediate help for the affected families to prevent a worsening humanitarian situation.