One Killed, Five Rescued, As Security Foils Bandits’ Attack In Katsina

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Katsina Police Command on Sunday October, 20, 2024, announced the frustration of a bandit attack in the Jibia area of the State.

It, also, informed that no fewer than six victims of abduction were rescued during a counter operation by security personnel.

A statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq, ASP, in Katsina said police operatives, acting on a tip off, Saturday, in conjunction with the military and personnel of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, and vigilantes was  able to foil an attack by some banditry  elements in Unguwar Batsaka quarters in Jibia town.

“On October, 19, 2024, at about 23.25 hrs, a distress call was received at the Jibia Divisional Police Headquarters on bandits’ attack in Unguwar Batsaka quarters in Jibia town in their numbers, armed with dangerous weapons shooting sporadically with intent to kidnap some residents of the area.

“The DPO mobilised a team of operatives in collaboration with the military, members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, KSCWC, and vigilantes to the scene, where they engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel that lasted for about an hour, forcing the bandits to flee the scene with varying degrees of bullet injuries.

“The team successfully rescued six kidnapped victims and were immediately rushed to the hospital for medical attention due to injuries sustained as a result of the bandits’ attack .

“However, regrettably one of the victims, simply identified as Rabe Mai Shayi, succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment” the Police Spokesman stated.

He noted that concerted efforts are underway to track down the fleeing banditry elements.

To this end, he implored members of the public to volunteer credible information that can assist security agents in hunting down criminal elements in the state .

The Source reports that Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states are the most seriously challenged by banditry, abduction and other criminal activities within the North West region of the Country.

But of late, the vibrancy and commitment of personnel of the KSCWC and vigilantes, working in collaboration with orthodox security agencies have greatly reduced banditry and other criminal activities in Katsina state.

Governor Dikko Umar Radda, only recently challenged the various communities to stand up and confront the threat posed by banditry elements.