Residents of Doma community in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State are once again living in fear as bandits launched a fresh violent attack on the area, despite an existing peace deal and surrender agreement between local government officials and armed groups operating in the area.
SaharaReporters gathered on Tuesday that the attackers stormed Doma in large numbers, opening fire on civilians and burning homes and vehicles.
The attack comes as a shock to the community, particularly because it occurred after a peace agreement reportedly reached between Faskari LGA stakeholders and bandit leaders, which was meant to halt hostilities and allow displaced residents to return to their homes.
Confirming the incident, a Katsina-based security expert Bakatsine warned of an ongoing attack in Doma and surrounding communities within Faskari LGA.
Bakatsine stressed that civilians were in grave danger and called for the urgent deployment of security forces to the area.
“Urgent deployment of security forces is needed to Doma and surrounding communities in Faskari LGA to protect civilians, stop the ongoing violence, and prevent further loss of lives and property,” the alert stated. “Immediate action could save lives.”
As of the time of filing this report, there were fears of casualties, although the exact number of those killed or injured could not be independently confirmed.
Faskari LGA has been one of the worst-hit areas in Katsina State, with years of repeated bandit attacks, kidnappings, cattle rustling, and mass displacement.
On September 17, 2025, SaharaReporters reported that a notorious bandit commander, Isya Akwashi Garwa, armed with an AK-47 and ammunition, had released 28 abducted persons in the local government area following a peace arrangement.
Those freed were largely residents of Mairua, Kanen-haki, and Yar Dabaru communities, who had been held in captivity by the bandits.
Local authorities confirmed that the release was the outcome of ongoing reconciliation efforts aimed at restoring peace and reducing violent attacks in the region.
A security source, Zagazola Makama, also disclosed on X that community leaders in Faskari welcomed the development as a positive signal, urging both sides to sustain the “peace process.”
They also appealed to the bandit leader to prevail on other groups still carrying out attacks in the area to desist.