THE Katsina State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with a mob action that led to the death of one KC Joe, at Kokami village in Danja Local Government Area of the state.
Disclosing this in a statement sent to News Point Nigeria on Sunday, the spokesman of the Command, Abubakar Sadiq, said the suspects are currently in custody with investigations ongoing.
He stated that the incident followed an initial dispute between the victim, KC Joe, and one Ibrahim Auwal, who was stabbed to death by the victim, which sparked a mob response, resulting in his death.
Upon receipt of the report, a team of police operatives responded to the scene, where the family of the slain were evaluated for safety as normalcy was restored.
On his part, the state Commissioner of Police, Ali Fage, condemned the unfortunate incident, urging the members of the public to always report issues to the nearest police station and avoid taking laws into their own hands.
He further called on the public to remain law-abiding, as he assured that the case will be thoroughly investigated to ensure justice is served and those involved will face the full force of the law.
“Further development will be communicated in due course, please,” the statement added.
On its part, the Katsina State Government has strongly condemned the tragic killings, which it said began as a disagreement between two people, Ibrahim Khalil Auwal and Joe (also identified as K.C. Jones), over the purchase of garri and sachet water at K. C jones shop.
“What started as a minor argument quickly turned violent. Joe reportedly stabbed Ibrahim Khalil Auwal during the altercation. The victim was rushed to Abdullahi Makama Hospital in Dabai, where he was later confirmed dead.
“Following the news of his death, some angry youths in the community mobilised, attacked Joe, killed him, and set his body ablaze along the highway.”
Dr. Nasir Mu’azu Danmusa, the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, in a statement on Sunday, described the development as deeply unfortunate, unacceptable and against the values of hospitality and peaceful coexistence in Katsina State.
“It should be emphasised that the incident was a criminal act arising from a personal dispute. It must not be twisted into an ethnic or religious conflict.
“Katsina State Government strongly assured that all those involved in the violence will be brought to justice. No individual has the right to take the law into their hands. Those responsible for both the initial attack and the reprisal killing will be identified and prosecuted.
“The government also called on residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and avoid spreading rumours or misinformation capable of escalating tension. Similarly, security agencies have since been deployed to the area, and joint patrols are ongoing to maintain peace and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
“The Katsina State Government, under the watch of Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, commiserated with the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls. The Governor also called on community leaders, religious leaders, and stakeholders to support efforts to maintain peace and harmony,” the statement noted.
Meanwhile, Governor Dikko Radda, in the spirit of Easter Celebration, urged Christians to use the Easter season to strengthen faith and promote religious harmony as critical tools for Katsina’s development.
The governor made the call in a statement released on Easter Sunday to mark the solemn Christian celebration across the state.
“Easter reminds us that hope transcends all challenges. As a state, we must build on this hope. We must build on the foundation of unity and faith,” the governor said.
Governor Radda emphasised that religious harmony is not a luxury. It is a necessity for progress.
“When Christians and Muslims stand together, nothing can stop our development. When we are divided, even small tasks become impossible,” the governor stated.
The governor noted that Katsina State has made significant progress because people of different faiths have chosen unity over division, adding that schools in Katsina are built by people of all faiths and healthcare centres serve people of all faiths.
Governor Radda called on religious leaders, both Christian and Muslim, to work together in promoting peace and development across the state.
He commended the Christian community for its contribution to Katsina’s growth and urged them to remain engaged in the development process.
“This government respects all faiths. We will continue to protect every person’s right to worship as they believe. But with that freedom comes responsibility—the responsibility to promote peace,” the governor emphasised.
He, therefore, wished all Christians a blessed Easter celebration and called on them to carry the message of love and unity beyond the festive season.