In a violent clash between rival bandit groups in Katsina State, at least 20 individuals, including prominent leaders and their followers, have been killed.
The confrontation, which occurred early Wednesday morning, was reportedly part of a territorial battle in the Dan-Ali community of Dan-Musa local government area.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama revealed details of the conflict via a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the clash occurred between the Mai Nore gang and the Buzaro terrorist group.
He said: “Early today, a fierce battle erupted between Mai Nore’s gang and the Buzaro group in the Dan-Ali area.
“According to intelligence sources, the clash resulted in significant casualties, with over 20 bodies found at the scene.”
Eyewitnesses described the conflict as intense, with prolonged gunfire echoing across the community. Many bandits were also reported to have sustained injuries during the skirmish.
Reacting to the conflict, a lecturer at Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU), Dr Hussain Bala, said, “It was a clash of the territory of who should control what and where based on the resources available and based of the location and area of a long existing rivalry.”
According to him, such a fight that led to the killing of the bandits does not call for celebration.
“It doesn’t call for any celebration,” Bala said concerning the clash.”