On Friday evening, bandits launched two deadly attacks on vigilante groups in Katsina State, resulting in the deaths of nine security personnel. Six pump-action guns were also stolen during the assaults.
In the first incident, bandits ambushed members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC) and vigilantes who were providing security for farmers harvesting crops along the Yankara-Faskari Road in Faskari Local Government Area. Despite intervention from a joint security team of police and military personnel, the attack claimed the lives of four Community Watch Corps members and two vigilante officers.
In a separate attack that same evening, bandits ambushed vigilante officers from Matazu Local Government travelling between Gwarjo and Yalwa. Three vigilantes were killed, and one was seriously injured. The Secretary of the Vigilante group in Matazu, Jamilu Aliyu, confirmed the incident.
Katsina State Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda expressed his condolences to the families of the fallen officers and praised their bravery. He assured the public that the government would bring the perpetrators to justice and continue to prioritize the security of the state’s residents.
Investigations and security measures are ongoing in the affected areas.