Seven people lost their lives after heavily armed bandits attacked Magajin Wando village in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State late Friday night. Several others sustained injuries during the violence.
The Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Danmusa, confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday. He explained that the criminals launched the assault between 11:00 p.m. and midnight, targeting residents as part of a revenge mission after some of their members were earlier killed during a confrontation with the Community Watch Corps in the same community.
According to preliminary findings, the armed group split into units and ambushed villagers who were rushing the injured to a nearby hospital. Their vehicle was riddled with bullets in the exchange of gunfire, and the Community Watch Corps’ patrol van was eventually set ablaze by the attackers. Despite the ambush, the Corps members fought bravely and managed to escape to safety.
Dr. Danmusa praised the courage and quick response of the Community Watch Corps, stressing that their action prevented what could have been an even greater tragedy. He assured that the state government remains committed to strengthening security measures in partnership with the military, police, and other security agencies to track down the criminal groups behind such violence.
While offering condolences to families of the victims and wishing the wounded a speedy recovery, the commissioner urged citizens to remain vigilant and share useful information with security agencies. He emphasized that the determination of security forces, combined with the resilience of the people, would eventually bring an end to banditry and restore peace across Katsina State.
