Gunmen have killed five members of the Katsina State local community security operatives on Saturday.
The bandits burnt the van of the security in Maharba village, Matazu Local Government Area.
Locals revealed that the attack occurred when the security personnel responded to a distress call about the presence of the bandits in the area.
The gunmen, numbering around 20 and riding motorcycles, ambushed the security team near a riverbank close to the village. They hid in trees, they opened fire and set ablaze the Hilux van conveying the security operatives, killing all five onboard.
The unit commander, Mallam Sanusi, who oversaw operations in Kusada, Kankia, and parts of Charanchi Local Government Areas was among the five killed.
Meanwhile, Governor Dikko Radda led a high-level delegation of security officials undertook an on-the-spot assessment.
The delegation included the State Commissioner for Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasiru Muazu; the State Commissioner of Police; the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS); and the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Alhaji Abdulkadir Nasir, among others. They were received by Matazu Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Shamsudeen Sayaya.
Governor Radda assessed the area, where the burnt vehicle remained visible, and visited nearby hard-to-reach areas where he spoke to the locals.
Radda reiterated his administration’s commitment to working closely with security agencies and community leaders to tackle insecurity in the state.
“The sacrifice of these brave men will not be in vain,” Radda said, pledging to intensify efforts to restore peace across the state.
Earlier, Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu’azu, acknowledged the challenges while highlighting ongoing military successes, particularly in Ruwan Godiya.
He said the governor’s visit formed part of a broader security review aimed at strengthening the protection of lives and property in the state.
He urged residents to remain patient, prayerful, and supportive of the government’s peace efforts.
Governor Radda also condolef the families of the victims, praying for divine mercy on the deceased and strength for their loved ones.
