Katsina, Nigeria –
Hisbah officers in Katsina were attacked by armed youths while carrying out their duties on Saturday at around 2:30 PM.
According to the Hisbah report, the officers had intervened to stop youths from playing football on the streets following complaints from residents about disturbances during nighttime prayers. However, upon arrival, the officers were met with stone-throwing, which escalated as some youths brandished firearms.
With only about ten officers on the scene, they attempted to de-escalate the situation but were soon overwhelmed. Following instructions from their headquarters, they retreated but later realized that one officer was missing. While maneuvering through alternative routes to rescue him, the youths continued pelting them with stones and physically assaulting them.
Reports indicate that a man identified as Alhaji Sirajo Mai Asharalle appeared at the scene armed with a gun. The Hisbah team leader approached him, saying, “Sir, he is also my relative; we returned to rescue one of our own.” Despite this, the mob persisted in their attack, and Alhaji Mai Asharalle allegedly opened fire, injuring several officers near their vehicle.
The injured officers include:
1. Aminu Musa Yari
2. Ya’u Musa Ingawa
3. Kabir Abdullahi
4. Muhammad Ibrahim
5. Yunusa Saleh
6. Mustapha Isah
Four officers sustained gunshot wounds, while three others suffered injuries from stones and beatings. The team leader also sustained a leg injury.
The injured officers were taken to Katsina General Hospital, but medical personnel referred them to the Federal Teaching Hospital in Katsina for advanced treatment.
Hisbah authorities expressed concern over the rising attacks on their personnel, recalling a similar incident two months ago where officers were injured while attempting to curb illegal activities. They called on security agencies to investigate the incident and implement measures to protect Hisbah officers in the state.
