Fourteen suspected bandits were killed on Friday after a gunfight with community hunters in Gidan Wawo village, Kakumi Ward, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, while a hunter and a traveller also lost their lives and three other occupants were rescued.
**What triggered the clash?**
The [Katsina State Government](https://katsinastate.gov.ng/) received intelligence that a group of 26 armed bandits were moving on 13 motorcycles toward the Dawan Laila forest in Bakori. Acting on the warning, security personnel in the area were placed on high alert to stop a planned mass abduction of residents from nearby villages.
**How did the attack unfold?**
According to a statement from the [Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs Dr Nasir Mu’azu](https://katsinastate.gov.ng/), the bandits later ambushed a vehicle belonging to 50‑year‑old Jamilu Lawal, who was travelling with three companions from Kakumi Ward to Illela market in Sokoto State. The assailants set the vehicle on fire during the assault.
**What was the response of the community?**
Community hunters from Gidan Wawo quickly mobilised, confronting the bandits in a gun battle that resulted in the death of fourteen of the attackers. However, 29‑year‑old hunter Mohammed Ibrahim Jidda was killed in the exchange, and another hunter, 25‑year‑old Usman Sunday, suffered minor gunshot wounds and is receiving treatment.
**Who were the other victims?**
Jamilu Lawal perished in the burning vehicle, while the three other passengers survived and were rescued by the hunters.
**What is the government’s next step?**
The commissioner warned that intelligence indicated a possible retaliatory strike by the surviving bandits. He affirmed that the state government is collaborating with security agencies to forestall further attacks and to address any emerging threats in the region. He also praised the bravery of the community hunters and security operatives, urging residents to stay calm and provide reliable information to authorities.
**Where did this occur?**
The incident took place in Gidan Wawo village, situated within the [Bakori Local Government Area](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bakori) of Katsina State, a region that has experienced recurring bandit activity in recent months.