Bandits killed as hunters repel attack in Katsina

Fourteen suspected bandits have been killed in a gun battle with community hunters who repelled an attack in Gidan Wawo village, Kakumi Ward, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The Katsina State Government said a community hunter and a traveller were also killed in the incident, while three other people were rescued.

The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, saying security agencies had earlier received intelligence about the movement of 26 armed bandits on 13 motorcycles towards Dawan Laila forest in Bakori.

He said security personnel in the local government were immediately placed on alert to prevent a planned mass abduction in neighbouring communities.

According to the statement, the bandits later attacked a vehicle belonging to Jamilu Lawal, 50, who was travelling with three others from Kakumi Ward to Illela market in Sokoto State. The vehicle was set ablaze during the attack.

The statement said community hunters from Gidan Wawo quickly mobilised and engaged the bandits in a gun battle, killing 14 of them.

However, a 29-year-old hunter, Mohammed Ibrahim Jidda, died during the encounter, while another hunter, Usman Sunday, 25, sustained minor gunshot injuries and is currently receiving treatment.

Unfortunately, Lawal was burnt to death in the vehicle, while the three other occupants were rescued alive.

The commissioner said intelligence reports had indicated the possibility of a reprisal attack by the bandits following the heavy casualties they suffered, adding that the state government is working with security agencies to prevent further attacks and address potential threats in the area.

The Commissioner also commended the community hunters and security operatives for their courage, urging residents to remain calm and provide credible information to security agencies.