Tragedy struck in Katsina State on Friday as bandits ambushed security operatives, killing nine members of the state’s Community Watch Corps and Vigilante Corps in two separate attacks. One other person was seriously injured during the assaults.
The attacks occurred in the troubled Faskari and Matazu Local Government Areas of the state, regions that have been frequently targeted by terrorist activities. The bandits struck while the security operatives were performing their duties, leaving a trail of devastation.
In the first attack, which took place between Yankara and Faskari on Friday evening, bandits ambushed members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps. The assailants killed four of the security personnel on the spot. According to a source who spoke on condition of anonymity, the names of the deceased include Mubarak Shu’aibu Labo, Muhammad Hassan, and Mubarak Shu’aibu. An unidentified officer also lost his life in the incident.
In addition to the casualties from the Community Watch Corps, two members of the Vigilante Corps, who were working to maintain security in the region, were also killed. They were identified as Babangida Bature, also known as Babangida Doza, and Ibrahim Rishi.
A second attack unfolded that same Friday evening in Matazu Local Government Area. Vigilante members traveling from Gwarjo to Yalwa were ambushed by terrorists. In this attack, three officers were killed, and one person sustained serious injuries.
Jamilu Aliyu, the Secretary of the Vigilante group in Matazu, confirmed the fatal attack to Sunday PUNCH.
“It is a sad day for us. These men were committed to ensuring the safety of our communities. Their loss is a huge blow to us all,” he said.
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The Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umaru, expressed his sympathy to the families of the deceased security operatives. In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula, Governor Umaru praised the bravery and dedication of those who lost their lives defending the state.
“Yesterday, October 4, 2024, at approximately 1600 hours, armed bandits ambushed a joint team of Community Watch Corps and Vigilante Corps members who were providing security for farmers harvesting their crops near Unguwar Kafa along the Yankara-Faskari road,” the statement read.
The Governor commended the courage and coordination of the security personnel in repelling the attack, which lasted for over an hour. “Their prompt action undoubtedly saved many lives and protected our hardworking farmers,” he added.
“These brave men who lost their lives are true heroes of our state. Their sacrifice in service to Katsina will never be forgotten. We stand with their families in this difficult time and assure them of our unwavering support,” the governor concluded.