Katsina State: Bandits Kill Vigilantes in Separate Raids

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Bandits Kill Nine Vigilantes in Separate Attacks in Katsina State

Muhammad Aliyu, Katsina Times

On Friday evening, armed bandits ambushed members of the Katsina Community Watch Corps on the road between Yankara and Faskari in Katsina State, killing six officers. The victims included four members of the Community Watch Corps and two vigilante officers who were working to maintain security in the region.

Local sources confirmed that among the dead were Mubarak Shu’aibu Labo, Muhammad Hassan, another officer named Mubarak Shu’aibu, and an unidentified officer. The vigilantes killed were identified as Babangida Bature, also known as Babangida Doza, and Ibrahim Rishi.

The attack has shaken the community, particularly given the dedication of these officers to protecting lives and property. At the funeral held in Faskari, community leader Adamu Yaro praised the fallen officers, describing their deaths as honorable since they died while defending the public. He also voiced frustration over the government's inaction in addressing the recurring violence in the area.

In a separate incident the same evening, forest bandits ambushed vigilante officers from Matazu Local Government on their way from Gwarjo to Yalwa. Three officers were killed, and one was seriously injured. Jamilu Aliyu, Secretary of the Vigilante group in Matazu, confirmed the attack.

These incidents underscore the growing insecurity in Katsina State, with residents calling for the government to step up its efforts to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further violence.