At least five members of a local community security outfit in Katsina State were killed on Saturday when armed bandits ambushed their team in Maharba village, Matazu Local Government Area. The attackers also set their operational vehicle ablaze.
Grassroots Parrot gathered that the operatives were responding to a distress call about suspicious movements when they were ambushed near a riverbank on the outskirts of the village.
The attackers, numbering about 20 and riding motorcycles, had concealed themselves among the trees and opened fire on the unsuspecting team. All five security personnel in the Hilux van were killed, and the vehicle was torched.
Among the victims was Mallam Sanusi, the unit commander overseeing operations across Kusada, Kankia, and parts of Charanchi LGAs.
In the aftermath, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda led a high-powered delegation to the scene for an on-the-spot assessment. The delegation included the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu; the Katsina State Police Commissioner; the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS); and the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Alhaji Abdulkadir Nasir. They were received by the Chairman of Matazu LGA, Alhaji Shamsudeen Sayaya.
Governor Radda inspected the site of the attack, where the burnt vehicle remained visible, and visited nearby remote settlements to interact with residents and assess the security situation firsthand.
Speaking after the visit, the governor condemned the attack and vowed to intensify collaboration with security agencies and community leaders to restore peace in the region.
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“The sacrifice of these brave men will not be in vain,” Radda declared. “We will redouble our efforts to ensure that lives and property are protected across Katsina State.”
Commissioner Nasiru Mu’azu also acknowledged the challenges faced by security forces in tackling rural banditry but pointed to recent military gains in areas like Ruwan Godiya as evidence of progress.
He noted that the governor’s visit was part of a broader review to recalibrate security strategies across the state. He appealed to residents to remain patient, vigilant, and supportive of the government’s ongoing efforts to restore peace.
Governor Radda extended his condolences to the families of the slain operatives, offering prayers for the repose of their souls and strength for their loved ones.
The incident underscores the continuing threat of armed banditry in rural parts of Katsina, despite the sustained efforts of security forces to contain the violence.