At least 21 government-backed fighters were killed in an ambush by bandits in Katsina State, Nigeria. The attack occurred while a convoy of pro-government fighters was returning from a funeral gathering, according to reports from local authorities and police spokesman Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu. The incident unfolded in the village of Baure, within the Safana district, on Tuesday.

Witnesses claim that the death toll could be as high as 25 individuals, with several villagers still unaccounted for. Authorities noted that the convoy was ambushed during their visit to express condolences to a deceased colleague's family. Following the attack, police forces have been deployed to the scene in hopes of restoring order and apprehending those responsible for this tragic event, as reported by Al Jazeera.

This attack is part of a larger trend in Northwest Nigeria, where bandits frequently raid villages, leading to mass kidnappings and violence. The region has been known for its rampant crime, with organized gangs operating from hidden camps spread across the dense forests of Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and Niger states.

The Katsina Community Watch Corps (KCWC), established in 2023 and composed of around 2,000 vigilantes, was aimed at complementing military and police efforts to combat banditry. Sadly, the ongoing violence underscores the challenges these community efforts face in securing safety for local populations.

To read more on this incident, click here: Times of India and Al Jazeera.