At least 22 individuals lost their lives in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State as bandits assaulted traders en route to the Yantumaki market.

It was learnt that operatives of the Katsina State Police command engaged in a gun duel with the bandits leading to the death of the 22 persons.

While the bandits killed six villagers, the security operatives neutralized about 26 bandits during the gunfire.

The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasiru Muazu-Danmusa confirmed this to NAN on Saturday.

“We condemn what happened in Danmusa LGA where the bandits attacked traders on their way to Yantumaki market from Maidabino.

“It was reliably gathered that no fewer than 16 of the terrorists were killed at the scene by security operatives during the encounter and many escaped with gunshot wounds,” he said.

The Commissioner, however, claimed that there has been remarkable progress in the fight against cattle rustling, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality in the state since the inception of the administration of Governor Dikko Radda.

“The problem has now been reduced to about 60 per cent from the reliable information we have been receiving across the state.

“That is why the terrorists resorted to using other ways in perpetuating their heinous acts,” he said