HUNTERS KILL 14 SUSPECTED BANDITS IN KATSINA GUN BATTLE
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
Fourteen suspected bandits have reportedly been killed in a gun battle with community hunters in Gidan Wawo village, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, following a suspected kidnapping attempt.
The Katsina State Government said intelligence received on Friday, October 23, indicated that 26 armed men riding on 13 motorcycles were heading towards Dawan Laila Forest to prepare attacks on nearby communities.
According to the government, the armed men later attacked a vehicle carrying four passengers travelling to Illela Market in Sokoto State and set it ablaze.
Community hunters subsequently engaged the suspected bandits in a gun battle, reportedly killing 14 of them and rescuing three victims.
The incident also claimed the lives of a community hunter, Mohammed Ibrahim Jidda, and one of the travellers, Jamilu Lawal. Another hunter, Usman Sunday, sustained minor gunshot injuries.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu, said security agencies had activated measures to prevent possible reprisal attacks and protect residents.
The government commended the hunters and security personnel for their response, urging residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to security agencies.