AT least seven people were feared killed late Friday night when heavily armed bandits stormed Magajin Wando village in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Danmusa, confirmed the incident in a statement issued Saturday made available to News Point Nigeria, describing the assault as a retaliatory attack by the criminals.
According to him, the attack occurred between 11:00 p.m. and midnight, when suspected bandits laid ambush on the village. Preliminary investigations revealed that the group targeted the community in revenge after some of their members were earlier killed during a repelled invasion by the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (CWC).
“Preliminary findings indicate that the ambush was carried out by the same group of criminals, who moved to avenge so many of their members killed in Magaji Wando Community during the repel by the Community Watch Corps,” Danmusa stated.
Several residents who sustained injuries during the initial attack were evacuated for medical treatment. But tragedy struck again when the victims’ convoy was ambushed on the way to hospital by the same bandit group, which had split into units to maximize casualties.
In the ensuing gun duel, a CWC vehicle was riddled with bullets and set ablaze, while the operatives bravely fought their way to safety. Despite their efforts, at least seven villagers were confirmed dead, while many others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Dr. Danmusa praised the swift intervention of the Community Watch Corps, insisting that their courage prevented what could have been a massacre.
“The Katsina State Government commends the bravery and sacrifice of the Community Watch Corps for their prompt response and their continued commitment to safeguarding vulnerable communities under very dangerous conditions,” he said.
The commissioner extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a quick recovery. He assured that the Katsina State Government remains committed to working with the military, police, and other security agencies to dismantle criminal networks terrorizing rural communities.
“We remain resolute in our commitment to intensify security operations across the state. Together, with the courage of our security forces and the resilience of our people, we will defeat these enemies of peace and restore lasting security across Katsina State,” Danmusa vowed.
The government appealed to locals to remain vigilant and provide timely intelligence to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation is critical in the fight against armed banditry.
