Bandits killed as hunters repel attack in Katsina

Fourteen suspected bandits were killed in a shootout with local hunters who thwarted an attack in Gidan Wawo village, part of the Kakumi Ward in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State. The Katsina State Government reported that another community hunter and a traveler perished in the incident, while three individuals were rescued.

Dr. Nasir Mu'azu, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, made the announcement in a statement issued on Friday, revealing that security agencies had received intelligence about 26 armed bandits traveling on motorcycles towards the Dawan Laila forest in Bakori. He had already alerted security personnel in the local government to prevent a possible mass abduction in neighboring communities.

The bandits targeted Jamilu Lawal's vehicle, a 50-year-old man traveling with three others from Kakumi Ward to Illela market in Sokoto State. The vehicle was set on fire during the attack. Local hunters swiftly mobilized in response and engaged the bandits in a gun battle, resulting in the death of 14 criminals. However, a 29-year-old hunter named Mohammed Ibrahim Jidda lost his life during the encounter, while another hunter, Usman Sunday, 25, suffered minor gunshot injuries and is receiving treatment.

Lawal was killed in the vehicle, while the three other occupants were rescued unharmed. The Commissioner emphasized that intelligence reports suggested the bandits might retaliate due to their heavy losses. The state government is collaborating with security agencies to prevent further attacks and address potential threats in the area. Dr. Mu'azu praised the bravery of the community hunters and security operatives, urging residents to remain calm and provide reliable information to the authorities.