Five members of the Community Watch Corps (CWC) have been killed in a deadly ambush by bandits in Maharba village, Matazu local government area of Katsina State, prompting an immediate response from the state government.
Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda on Friday led a high-level security delegation to the area for an on-the-spot assessment of the attack and to evaluate ongoing security efforts.
The slain personnel, including CWC Commander Mallam Sanusi, were reportedly on a reinforcement mission when they were ambushed at a stream crossing by around 20 armed bandits riding motorcycles.
According to a statement issued by the governor’s chief press secretary, Ibrahim Kaula, the attackers, who had concealed themselves in nearby mango trees, set the security team’s Hilux vehicle ablaze after the deadly assault. The charred remains of the vehicle were still smouldering when Governor Radda arrived at the scene.
Governor Radda was accompanied by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Muazu Danmusa; the State Commissioner of Police; the Director of State Security Services; Chief of Staff Alhaji Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; and other key security officials.
The local government chairman, Alhaji Shamsudeen Muhammad Sayaya, led the delegation to the site of the attack.
While addressing the press during the visit, Governor Radda condemned the attack, describing it as “a heartbreaking loss to the state,” and vowed that his administration would intensify efforts to secure all communities.
“We are here not just to assess the damage, but to ensure that such an attack never happens again,” the governor said.
“Our security architecture will be reviewed and reinforced. We owe it to these brave men and their families.”
Dr. Danmusa, while briefing reporters, explained that the visit was part of a broader security strategy to both understand the evolving nature of banditry in the state and formulate stronger countermeasures.
“The state has witnessed both challenges and progress in the fight against banditry,” Dr. Danmusa said. “This visit is critical for planning and deploying new tactics to safeguard our communities, especially in high-risk areas like this.”
He urged residents to remain patient and prayerful, assuring them that the state government remains fully committed to restoring peace and stability.
Governor Radda also met with residents of the affected areas, offering condolences and reassurance.
He pledged continuous collaboration with security agencies and community stakeholders to boost intelligence gathering and enhance operational response.
He concluded his visit with a solemn prayer for the souls of the fallen corps members and comfort for their families.
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