A fresh wave of violence has struck Katsina State, where suspected bandits killed a police officer and injured two civilians during coordinated attacks on communities in Matazu Local Government Area.
The injured victims were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, while the attackers reportedly destroyed properties worth millions of naira in broad daylight.
Sources revealed that the assailants first invaded Sayaya town, setting the community’s primary healthcare centre ablaze and looting several shops before burning them down. Two vehicles were also destroyed during the attack.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, the attackers further escalated the violence by ambushing a police station in the area, where a police officer, identified as Suleiman Bishir, was killed.
During a visit to the affected community, Dikko Radda extended condolences to the Divisional Police Officer and personnel of the command, as well as to families impacted by the attack.
In a related incident, the bandits also struck Dankawari town, where another vehicle was reportedly burnt.
Residents described the slain officer as dedicated and widely respected within the community, heightening the sense of loss following the attack.
Meanwhile, the Katsina State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Lawal Tukur Batagarawa, expressed sympathy with affected communities in Dangani and Sayaya across Musawa and Matazu districts. He, however, claimed that three policemen may have been killed during the attack, contrary to earlier reports.
Batagarawa described the situation as a grim reflection of the broader insecurity affecting states such as Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, and Plateau.
“The Federal Government shows absolute irresponsibility in the way it’s handling insecurity; this is very sad. We as a party have committed to changing this sad situation once elected to office as quickly as possible,” he stated.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to release an official statement regarding the incidents.
What you should know
Bandit attacks in Katsina State have resulted in the death of a police officer, injuries to civilians, and widespread destruction of property.
The coordinated assaults targeted key community infrastructure, including a healthcare centre and police station, highlighting the growing boldness of armed groups. Conflicting reports on casualties raise further concern, while political leaders continue to criticise the government’s handling of insecurity.
The incident underscores the persistent security challenges across northern Nigeria and the urgent need for effective intervention.
