At least 21 members of a government-backed militia were killed in an ambush by armed gangs in Nigeria’s Katsina state.
The attack occurred on Tuesday in the Safana district’s Baure village, targeting a convoy of vigilantes returning from a condolence visit. Katsina police spokesperson Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu confirmed the grim toll late Friday, describing the attack as devastating.
“Sadly, 21 persons were fatally shot as a result of the attack,” Aliyu stated, pledging efforts to apprehend those responsible for the heinous act.
Katsina, like several northwestern Nigerian states, has been under siege from criminal gangs who pillage villages, kill residents, and abduct victims for ransom. The gangs, often referred to as bandits, have built strongholds in the expansive forest spanning Katsina, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Niger states.
Their terror extends to mass kidnappings, including high-profile abductions of schoolchildren, leaving communities in constant fear. Despite military operations, these groups continue to operate with brutal efficiency.
In response to escalating violence, Governor Dikko Umar Radda formed the Katsina Community Watch Corps (KCWC) in 2023. The 2,000-strong vigilante force supports the police and military in combating the gangs.
Tuesday’s attack highlights the relentless challenges faced by security forces and communities in Nigeria’s battle against violent banditry.
Authorities have vowed to intensify operations to dismantle gang networks and bring peace to the embattled region. However, the recent tragedy underscores the urgency of a more robust response.
