Residents, Police Officers Killed in Fresh Katsina, Kaduna Attacks
Fresh attacks by armed bandits have left residents and police officers dead in separate incidents in Katsina and Kaduna states, highlighting the persistent security challenges facing parts of northern Nigeria.
In Katsina State, gunmen stormed Sayaya community in Matazu Local Government Area in the early hours of Thursday, killing seven residents during a deadly raid.
Witnesses said the attackers fired indiscriminately as terrified villagers fled their homes in search of safety.
Residents said the victims included farmers and traders who had hoped to resume their normal lives after weeks of relative calm. The attack has forced several families to abandon the community for fear of further violence.
Community members alleged that the assault was carried out by fighters loyal to a notorious bandit leader believed to be responsible for several deadly attacks and kidnappings across Matazu and neighbouring communities.
The latest incident comes weeks after retired Major General Abubakar Rabe was abducted alongside his wife in the same local government area.
While his wife was later rescued, the retired military officer died while in captivity, prompting renewed calls for stronger action against armed groups operating in the state.
Residents also claimed the latest attack occurred shortly after security personnel deployed to the area were withdrawn, arguing that the removal of troops left the community exposed to another assault.
The Katsina State Police Command said it was yet to verify the incident, adding that updates would be provided after the necessary checks.
Meanwhile, in neighbouring Kaduna State, two police officers were killed during an operation to rescue kidnapped victims in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area.
According to the Kaduna State Police Command, security operatives responded to intelligence that armed bandits had abducted several people from their farms around Unguwan Sa’idu village.
A joint team of police officers and local security personnel tracked down the kidnappers and engaged them in a gun battle, forcing the suspects to flee and abandon their captives.
Nine kidnapped victims were rescued unharmed during the operation. However, while returning from the mission, the security team reportedly came under attack after suspected bandits laid an ambush along their route.
Two police officers sustained fatal gunshot wounds and later died despite efforts to save them.
Kaduna State Commissioner of Police Rabiu Muhammad described the slain officers as courageous personnel who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
He assured residents that security agencies would continue operations to track down those responsible and improve security across the state.
The latest attacks come amid growing concerns over renewed bandit activities in several communities across Katsina and Kaduna, where residents have continued to call for sustained security operations to protect lives and restore normalcy.
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