FASKARI — At least 19 residents were killed on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, when heavily armed bandits launched a daylight attack on Doma town in the Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The assault began around midday and lasted for approximately two hours, with the attackers moving freely through the town, harassing and assaulting civilians. Witnesses reported that the gunmen set numerous homes and vehicles ablaze. Local sources confirmed they have recovered 19 bodies so far for funeral prayers, noting that victims included both men and women.
Failure of the Peace Accord
The attack has caused significant outrage as it occurred despite a widely publicized peace deal and surrender agreement recently reached between Faskari LGA stakeholders and bandit leaders.
Ongoing Insecurity: Security analysts had earlier warned of an imminent strike in the area, calling for the urgent deployment of forces to Doma and surrounding communities in the Faskari LGA.
Rising Toll: This latest tragedy follows a surge in violence in Katsina, where civilian deaths reached a record 533 in 2025, a sharp increase from previous years.
Broader Regional Crisis
While this specific attack targeted Doma in Katsina, it mirrors a broader pattern of escalating violence across Northern Nigeria:
Abduction of Worshippers: In nearby Kaduna State, 177 Christian worshippers were recently abducted from multiple churches during a coordinated raid on January 18, 2026.
Northern Dissatisfaction: The persistent bloodshed has fueled deep political disillusionment in the North. A viral video recently circulated of a Northern lady blasting the region’s leaders for failing to provide security, education, or healthcare despite holding power for decades.
Opposition Outcry: Former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal has accused the federal government of using judicial “deals” with governors to consolidate power for 2027 while failing to address the primary responsibility of protecting lives and property.
The Katsina State Government has yet to issue an official statement on the Doma massacre as of Tuesday night.
