In a tragic incident, bandits reportedly attacked Kuka Babangida village in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State early Thursday morning, claiming the lives of at least nine residents, including the village head, Idris Haruna. The chairman of the local government council, Bashir Sabiu, and the spokesman for the Katsina police command, ASP Abubakar Aliyu, confirmed the distressing incident.
According to reports, the bandits launched the attack minutes before midnight and continued their operation until around 1:30 am on Thursday. The assailants meticulously went from house to house in search of valuables, including money. Tragically, the village head, his four children, and four others lost their lives during the attack.
Details regarding potential abductions or theft of valuables are yet to be ascertained. While expressing commitment to the protection of lives and property, the state Commissioner for Internal Security, Nasiru Muazu, assured that efforts would not waver in ensuring the safety of the state’s residents.
As efforts are underway to bury the victims, it is worth noting that this incident follows the killing of six traders last Friday morning who were en route to a local market in Yantumaki, Danmusa Local Government Area of the state. Former Secretary to the Katsina State Government, Alhaji Inuwa Mustapha, stressed the need for governors of North-Western States to collaborate in addressing banditry collectively. He emphasized that individual state efforts alone would not suffice and urged the governors to exert pressure on the federal government for assistance in tackling banditry and other crimes in the region.
Inuwa emphasized the importance of well-coordinated, sustainable, and simultaneous operations against bandits, involving air and ground troops, local guides, and hunters familiar with the terrains. He highlighted the severity of the issue, with schools and markets becoming inaccessible due to the activities of bandits. Calling for collective action, he expressed the hope for an end to the pervasive problem through concerted efforts.