Twelve persons have been killed by bandits who stormed Duba village, Batsari LGA of Katsina State.

The bandits numbering over 300 were said to have attacked the community at about 8;45pm on Saturday.

They ransacked housed and looted shops making away with valuable items.

Although residents claimed that the bandits killed 20 persons and injured many others, the state police command said only 12 persons were killed.

The residents further noted that those killed were buried on Sunday, according to Islamic rites.

Confirming the incident, Gambo Isah, spokesman for the Katsina police command, said: “At about 8:45 pm, armed bandits numbering over 300 armed with sophisticated weapons such as RPGs, AK47, AA, attacked Duba Village, Basari LGA.”

“They ransacked the village, broke into shops and stole essential commodities. They killed 12 villagers and injured about 12 others.”

Isah further narrated that “the combined operation of military and police reported to the area but before they got there, the hoodlums had escaped into the forest.”

“Right now, the joint security forces are combing the area arresting the perpetrators of this hideous crime,” he added.

The Cable