Terrorists have reportedly killed no fewer than nine Katsina State Community Watch Corps and vigilante members in Faskari and Matazu local government areas of the state.
Faskari and Matazu are said to be among the frontline local government areas bedevilled by the activities of terrorists in Katsina State.
PUNCH Online learned that the hoodlums, in their separate attacks on Friday evening between Yankara and Faskari in Katsina State, ambushed the state security operatives, killing four members of the Community Watch Corps and two vigilante officers who were working to maintain security in the region.
A source, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed to our correspondent on Saturday morning in Katsina that the victims were Mubarak Shu’aibu Labo, Muhammad Hassan, Mubarak Shu’aibu, and an unidentified officer.
“The vigilantes killed were identified as Babangida Bature, also known as Babangida Doza and Ibrahim Rishi.
“Since yesterday to this morning, the community is in disarray due to the dedication of the deceased officers to protecting lives and property, ” the source said.
It was also learnt that while at the funeral held in Faskari, a community leader, Adamu Yaro, praised the fallen officers, describing their deaths as honourable since they died while defending the public and expressed worry about the government’s inaction in addressing the reoccurring insecurity in the area.
In separate attacks the same Friday evening, the terrorists ambushed vigilante members from Matazu Local Government on their way from Gwarjo to Yalwa, killing at least three officers while one was seriously injured as Secretary of the Vigilante group in Matazu branch, Jamilu Aliyu confirmed the attack to Punch on Saturday in Katsina.
The persistent 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 reoccurrence.
Meanwhile, Governor Dikko Radda expressed deep condolences to the families of the security operatives who lost their lives during the attack in the area.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammad, made available to newsmen on Saturday in Katsina, noted that the governor praised the bravery and sacrifice of the heroes in the line of duty.
The statement read in parts. “Yesterday, October 4, 2024, at approximately 1600 hours, armed bandits ambushed a joint team of Community Watch Corps (CWC) 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.
“Governor Radda commended the swift response of the security forces, including the police and military teams, who engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle.
“Our security operatives displayed exceptional courage and coordination in repelling this attack. Their prompt action undoubtedly saved many lives and protected our hardworking farmers.”
“The joint security operation successfully dislodged the bandits, forcing them to retreat into the nearby forest. It is believed that the attackers suffered heavy casualties during their escape. The Governor has assured that the area remains under close surveillance, with ongoing investigations to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“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”, the statement.
Governor Radda further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the security and welfare of all Katsina State residents and called on citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies in their efforts to maintain peace and order across the state.
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