Three dead, NSCDC outpost burnt as arrest of drug peddler sparks violence in Katsina

By Abbas Bamali

Arrest a drug peddler identified as Uzairu, popularly known as ‘Kuda’ and confiscation of his phone has led to the death of three people and razing of an outpost of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence in Katsina State.

Kuda was one of those shot dead in the clash between security operatives and suspected drug peddlers following his arrest at Koraman Nayalle, Sabuwar Unguwa Quarters in Katsina metropolis.

The suspected drug peddler had mobilised his friends to retrieve his phone from the operatives, the situation escalated into chaos, during which he was shot, and later confirmed dead.

His death sparked anger and unrest in the area, causing the violence to intensify and eventually leading to the deaths of two more people.

In the crises that followed, an outpost of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and some motorcycles were set ablaze.

It was learnt that the neighborhood remained tense since Saturday when the clash occurred, with the residents living in fear of further violence, while the authorities were making frantic efforts to restore calm.

The NSCDC Public Relations Officer in Katsina, SC Buhari Hamisu, who confirmed the incident, said that the situation was now under control.

He said that after the earlier incident, friends of the deceased attempted to destroy another NSCDC and Police outposts at Filin Kanada, but were dispersed.

According to Hamisu, investigation is ongoing to ascertain the main cause of the clash, calling on residents to remain calm.

Also, the police spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, confirmed the incident, saying that it escalated during the funeral procession of the deceased on Sunday.

He further urged the public to always exercise maximum restraint and avoid taking the law into their hands.

(NAN)

AABS/BRM