Again, Terrorists Strike in Katsina Community, Kill Five, Abduct Seven

Francis Sardauna in Katsina 

Gunmen suspected to be terrorists have killed no fewer than five farmers, kidnapped seven and left scores with varying degrees of gunshots injuries in a fresh onslaught on Sayaya community in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

A security source, who confirmed the incident to THISDAY in a telephone interview on Tuesday, said the hooligans attacked the agrarian community in the wee hours of Monday with sophisticated weapons shooting sporadically.

This is coming barely three days after the suspected terrorists killed 14 Maulud celebrants, abducted 20 and wounded 19 others after they attacked the festival venue at Rugan Kusa community in the neighbouring Musawa Local Government Area Sunday night.

The source said the terrorists met stiff resistance from vigilante members and other residents, but despite the fight-back, they succeeded in killing five persons and kidnapped seven, while many others were wounded.

He said: “They (terrorists) came into the community through the southern part riding on many motorcycles with sophisticated weapons such as AK-47. They killed five people and kidnapped seven and took them to their hideout.

“As we speak, many people who were injured by the terrorists are currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital, Musawa and have been transferred to a hospital in Katsina.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, while confirming the incident in a statement, said the hoodlums killed five people and kidnapped five others during the attack.

He said the suspected terrorists invaded the community in the early hours of Tuesday in large numbers, wielding dangerous weapons such as AK-47 rifles and started shooting sporadically.

Aliyu, in the statement, said: “Upon receipt of the report, immediately, operatives were mobilised to the scene, where they engaged the bandits in a gun duel and succeeded in repelling the attack.

“However, five (5) people were shot dead, two (2) injured, and five (5) people kidnapped by the assailants. The injured were rushed to the hospital for immediate medical attention.”

He urged members of the public to assist the command with useful information as efforts were being made to ensure the unhurt rescue of the abductees and arrest of the fleeing terrorists.