According to a report by Punch, terrorists have killed at least nine members of the Community Watch Corps and local vigilantes in the Faskari and Matazu local government areas of Katsina State. These regions are among those most affected by terrorist activities in the state.
The attacks occurred on Friday evening when armed assailants ambushed security operatives between Yankara and Faskari. Four members of the Community Watch Corps and two vigilante officers were killed while working to maintain security in the area.
An anonymous source confirmed the names of some of the victims to Punch, including Mubarak Shu’aibu Labo, Muhammad Hassan, and Mubarak Shu’aibu, along with an unidentified officer. The vigilante members killed were identified as Babangida Bature, also known as Babangida Doza, and Ibrahim Rishi. The source reported that the community is in disarray due to the dedication of these officers to protecting lives and property.
During a funeral held in Faskari, community leader Adamu Yaro praised the fallen officers, describing their deaths as honorable since they occurred while defending the public. He expressed concern over the government’s inaction regarding the ongoing insecurity in the region.
In separate attacks that same evening, vigilante members from Matazu Local Government were ambushed while returning from Gwarjo to Yalwa, resulting in the deaths of at least three officers and leaving one severely injured. Jamilu Aliyu, the Secretary of the Matazu Vigilante group, confirmed this attack to Punch.
These incidents highlight the escalating insecurity in Katsina State, prompting residents to call for increased government efforts to protect vulnerable communities. Governor Dikko Radda expressed condolences to the families of the security operatives who lost their lives during the attacks.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammad, the governor noted that the ambush occurred while a joint team of Community Watch Corps and Vigilante Corps was providing security for farmers harvesting their crops along the Yankara-Faskari road. The statement confirmed that four Community Watch Corps members and two vigilante officers tragically lost their lives in the ensuing firefight.
Governor Radda commended the bravery of the security forces, emphasizing that their swift response likely saved many lives and protected the farmers in the area. He assured that the region remains under close surveillance, with ongoing investigations to apprehend the perpetrators.
The statement further highlighted that the fallen security personnel are true heroes of Katsina State, whose sacrifice will not be forgotten. Governor Radda reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the security and welfare of all residents, urging citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to maintain peace across the state.
