Renewed Violence In Katsina: Dozens Killed In Doma Community Despite Peace Accord

Renewed Violence in Katsina: Dozens Killed in Doma Community Despite Peace Accord

At least 20 residents have been killed and several others injured following a brazen attack by suspected bandits on Doma village in the Tafoki Ward of Faskari Local Government Area in Katsina State, Nigeria a brutal assault that came despite a previously agreed peace deal between local leaders and armed groups.

The attack unfolded in broad daylight on Tuesday afternoon, with armed gunmen storming the community and firing indiscriminately at civilians. Witnesses said the hoodlums operated in the area for hours before withdrawing, leaving houses, vehicles and other property ablaze.

Local authorities and community leaders have put the death toll at around 20, though police statements confirmed 13 fatalities so far, reflecting the difficulty in independently verifying figures in the aftermath of the violence.

Several homes and vehicles were burnt during the attack, many residents were forced to flee their homes, heightening fears of further displacement, burial arrangements for the deceased have been scheduled as communities mourn those lost.

The incident has raised serious concerns about the durability and effectiveness of peace agreements in the region.

Doma and other communities in Katsina State had entered into a local peace accord with armed groups, aimed at ending years of banditry and giving displaced residents the confidence to return home.

Despite these efforts, the latest attack underscores the fragility of such arrangements and the persistent threat posed by criminal elements who may exploit weaknesses in enforcement or commitment.

Critics have argued that without comprehensive security backing and genuine disarmament, peace deals alone may be insufficient to protect vulnerable rural communities.

Security forces including police and community watch units were reportedly alerted but were unable to prevent the killings, adding to criticisms of the responses Security forces including police and community watch units were reportedly alerted but were unable to prevent the killings, adding to criticisms of th