Not fewer than seven people were killed late Friday night when armed bandits attacked Magajin Wando Village in Dandume local government area of Katsina State.
The attack, which occurred between 11pm and midnight, threw the community into panic as the criminals opened fire indiscriminately.
Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs in the state, Dr Nasiru Mua’zu, said in a statement that the situation could have been worse but for the swift intervention of men of Katsina State Community Watch Corps (CWC), who repelled the bandits.
Mua’zu added that the bandits later ambushed an evacuation team conveying injured victims to the hospital, where the Community Watch Corps vehicle came under heavy gunfire and was set ablaze during the encounter.
However, despite this, Mua’zu said the the Corps fought their way out and managed to bring the injured to safety.
According to him, preliminary investigations suggest that the ambush was carried out in revenge, after the same set of bandits lost several members during the initial confrontation with security volunteers.
The Commissioner condemned the attack, commending the bravery of the Community Watch Corps, and assured residents of government’s determination to intensify security operations.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and pray for the quick recovery of the injured,” he stated
Stressing that the state will continue to collaborate with the military, police, and other agencies to dismantle criminal networks, the commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and share intelligence with security agencies to support ongoing operations.
