By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times

A resident of Dutsinma Local Government Area in Katsina State, Malam Abubakar Karawa, has been in critical condition after being shot by a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF). The incident also led to the death of a final-year student of the Federal University Dutsinma (FUDMA).

Speaking to Katsina Times on Tuesday, Abubakar revealed that he had been carrying a bullet in his body for nearly 50 hours since Sunday, February 23, without receiving urgent medical attention. He lamented that neither security agencies nor health officials had intervened, leaving his life in danger.

Abubakar recounted that the shooting occurred while he was transporting the university student to the Kashe Naira area in Dutsinma.

"Upon arrival, the student asked me to wait while he stepped out briefly. When he returned, we got back on the motorcycle and rode off, only to encounter CJTF operatives in a vehicle. Since they didn’t signal us to stop, I maneuvered past them. But suddenly, we crashed to the ground," he narrated.

He continued:
"I heard the student screaming, ‘Oh God, they’ve killed me!’ Meanwhile, I felt my leg go numb—I couldn’t move. It was then I realized I had been shot."

Abubakar maintained that they posed no threat to the security operatives and had not attempted to flee.

"The location was a busy residential area, not a security checkpoint. There was no reason for us to stop for them in such a situation," he explained.

He called on the authorities, particularly the Katsina State Government, to intervene, as he remains in dire need of medical assistance.

"Since I was brought to the hospital, no official has checked on me or offered any support—except for our lawmaker from Dutsinma, who donated ₦50,000. But we still lack food and medicine."

The incident, which occurred on Sunday, February 23, also claimed the life of a final-year student from FUDMA, sparking protests and destruction of property in Dutsinma.

Security agencies have yet to provide a detailed explanation for the shooting of Abubakar and the student but confirmed that an investigation is underway.