Bandits have k!lled nine security operatives in Faskari and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State.
The security operatives, all members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps and Vigilante Corps, were ambushed in separate attacks between Yankara and Faskari on Friday evening.
Additionally, two vigilante officers working to maintain security in the region were also killed.
A source in Katsina, who spoke on condition of anonymity to Punch on Saturday, provided the names of the deceased as Mubarak Shu’aibu Labo, Muhammad Hassan, Mubarak Shu’aibu, and an unidentified officer
According to the source, the slain vigilante members were Babangida Bature, also known as Babangida Doza, and Ibrahim Rishi.
In a separate attack that same Friday evening, the terrorists ambushed vigilante members from Matazu Local Government on their way from Gwarjo to Yalwa, killing no fewer than three officers, while one was seriously injured.
The Secretary of the Vigilante group in Matazu, Jamilu Aliyu, confirmed the attack to the publication on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Governor Dikko Umaru of the state has sympathised with the families of the deceased.
Umaru, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula, praised the bravery and sacrifice of the security operatives who died in the line of duty.
“Yesterday, October 4, 2024, at approximately 1600 hours, armed bandits ambushed a joint team of Community Watch Corps and Vigilante Corps members who were providing security for farmers harvesting their crops near Unguwar Kafa along the Yankara-Faskari road,” the statement read.
“In the ensuing firefight, which lasted over an hour, four CWC members and two Vigilante Corps members tragically lost their lives
Our security operatives displayed exceptional courage and coordination in repelling this attack. Their prompt action undoubtedly saved many lives and protected our hardworking farmers.
“These brave men who lost their lives are true heroes of our state. Their sacrifice in service to Katsina will never be forgotten. We stand with their families in this difficult time and assure them of our unwavering support.”