A total of 24 persons were killed in two communities in Katsina and Kaduna State by bandits who were armed with sophisticated weapons.

In Katsina alone, a total of 12 persons were officially confirmed to have been killed by bandits, who stormed Duba village in the Batsari Local Government Area of the state Saturday night.

Sources said the bandits numbering over 300 and armed with sophisticated weapons, including anti-aircraft launchers and GMP machine guns, stormed the community at 10.45 pm.

The bandits were said to have ransacked and looted houses and shops in the community, dispossessing people of personal belongings, including foodstuff and money.

Residents claimed that the bandits killed 20 persons and injured many others.

The residents further disclosed that those killed were buried on Sunday in line with Islamic rites.

The spokesman for the Katsina Police Command, Gambo Isah, however, insisted that the bandits killed 12 persons and injured six others.

He said, “They (bandits) killed 12 people and injured six others. The joint team of the police and the military advanced to the village, but the bandits had retreated into the forest by the time they arrived there. The team is still combing the forest with a view to finding the hoodlums.”

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Similarly, some bandits have raided Ma-Dooh village in Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing at least 9 persons, while scores sustained gunshots injuries.

It was learnt that the attack happened at about 11 pm on Saturday night.

It was also gathered that several houses were razed by the bandits, while three persons, who sustained gunshots injuries, were receiving medical attention in an undisclosed hospital.

The state Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, who confirmed the attack, also said three herders were killed in reprisal at Ribok, Tsoriyang and Kankada, all in Zangon Kataf LGA.

The commissioner said the attack was a reprisal to the earlier attack in Ungwan Dooh (Mado) area.

According to him, the reprisal targetted the residence of one Ardo Tanko Usman, where three residents were killed.

On the nine person killed at Ma-Dooh village, the commissioner listed their names as Moses Dangana, Mary Dangana, Jummai Dangana, Jerry James, Happy James, Endurance Stephen, Comfort Emmanuel, Jummai Tanko and Mary Clement..