Bandits kill police officer, two civilians in fresh Katsina attacks

By Abbas Bamalli

Suspected armed bandits have killed a police officer and two civilians in coordinated attacks along the Karadua–Musawa Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday, saw gunmen block the road and open fire on a moving Volkswagen Golf vehicle, killing two occupants instantly.

Confirming the development, the spokesman of the Katsina State Police Command, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, said security operatives swiftly responded to a distress call and mobilised to the scene.

He disclosed that a joint security team comprising police personnel, military operatives, members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps and local vigilantes engaged the attackers, forcing them to retreat.

“The team swiftly dislodged the assailants and evacuated the victims to a nearby hospital,” he said.

However, the bandits reportedly regrouped and launched a fresh attack on the Musawa Police Division, where officers on duty repelled the assault after a fierce gun battle.

During the exchange, one police officer was killed while defending the facility.

The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, said additional security assets had been deployed to the area to reinforce operations and prevent further attacks.

He also ordered a full-scale investigation to track down those responsible for the killings.

Umar-Fage extended condolences to the families of the victims, describing the slain officer as a hero who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.

He urged residents to remain calm and support security agencies with credible information as efforts intensify to bring the perpetrators to justice. (NAN)