Nine killed in Katsina as bandits ambush security agents

Terrorists struck again in Katsina State on Friday, killing nine security operatives and injuring one other.

Sunday PUNCH gathered that the security operatives were ambushed in Faskari and Matazu Local Government Areas of the state.

The victims were members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps and Vigilante Corps.

Faskari and Matazu are among the local governments troubled by terrorist activities in the state.

Sources told our correspondent that the terrorists, in separate attacks between Yankara and Faskari on Friday evening, ambushed members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, killing some of them.

Additionally, two vigilante officers working to maintain security in the region were also killed.

A source in Katsina, who spoke on condition of anonymity to our correspondent on Saturday, provided the names of the deceased as Mubarak Shu’aibu Labo, Muhammad Hassan, Mubarak Shu’aibu, and an unidentified officer.

According to the source, the slain vigilante members were Babangida Bature, also known as Babangida Doza, and Ibrahim Rishi.

In a separate attack that same Friday evening, the terrorists ambushed vigilante members from Matazu Local Government on their way from Gwarjo to Yalwa, killing no fewer than three officers, while one was seriously injured.

The Secretary of the Vigilante group in Matazu, Jamilu Aliyu, confirmed the attack to Sunday PUNCH.

Meanwhile, Governor Dikko Umaru of the state has sympathised with the families of the deceased.

Umaru, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula, praised the bravery and sacrifice of the security operatives who died in the line of duty.

The statement reads partly, “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.

“In the ensuing firefight, which lasted over an hour, four CWC members and two Vigilante Corps members tragically lost their lives.

“Our security operatives displayed exceptional courage and coordination in repelling this attack. Their prompt action undoubtedly saved many lives and protected our hardworking farmers.

“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.”