Rita Odafe
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In a shocking turn of events, many villagers have been feared dead and several others injured in Katsina on Saturday due to a clash between vigilantes and terrorists in the Kankara communities. According to a reliable source from the area, the terrorists had gathered for the wedding party (Walima) of one of their kingpins, identified as ‘Mai Katifa Mutuwa’, when the altercation began. The source reported that between 3 and 4pm, the vigilantes clashed with some of the bandits and the celebration quickly turned violent. Five people were killed in Gurbi, and another 13 were found dead between Majifa, Makera, and Gidan Jifau settlements. Furthermore, the terrorists invaded over 10 settlements in the area, including Gurbi, Danmarke, Majifa, Gidan Baso, Gidan Sarka, Gidan Jiho, Gidan Ancho, Gidan Sanka, Dan mangoro, and Gidan Sale. By late night yesterday, 18 villagers had been found dead and 15 injured were taken to Kankara General Hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, one of them died on the way. The death toll is expected to rise as search for casualties continues this morning.
The spokesperson for Katsina State Police Command, SP Gambo Isah, confirmed the clash but said details were still sketchy. He noted that the police and other security agents had visited the scene and promised to respond with more information as soon as possible. This incident follows a similar one last month in Bakori-Kankara axis where 102 people, mostly vigilantes, were killed in an ambush by “Yan Sakai” vigilantes. In response, the state government set up a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the killings and prevent future occurrences. The commission presented its findings to the State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, last Thursday and expressed confidence that if the recommendations are implemented, it will resolve the issue of banditry in the state.
