In the early hours of Tuesday, armed men attacked Filin Canada Quarters in the Sabuwar Unguwa area of Katsina metropolis, abducting three members of a household and killing a vigilante during the operation.
The attack, which occurred around 3:00 a.m., targeted the home of 33-year-old Anas Ahmadu. He was taken along with his seven-month-pregnant wife, Halimat, and their daughter, Jidda Anas. According to Katsina Post, Halimat is the daughter of a well-known businessman in the state.
According to reports, there have been attacks across Katsina State, this is the first time in about two years that such is being recorded in the capital city.
During the attack, a vigilante member identified as Abdullahi Muhammad, 25, was shot dead while attempting to render help to the victims against the attackers. The criminals fled the scene before the arrival of security operatives.
Police spokesman in the state, DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, confirmed the incident in a statement, noting that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in the area swiftly responded to the distress call and restored calm to the neighbourhood.
The attack comes amid growing concerns over recurring cases of abduction and violence in Katsina, despite assurances of heightened security operations across the state.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the day left residents in fear.
Witnesses said the gunmen, armed with sophisticated weapons, stormed Anas’ residence, located behind Gidan Rodi Steel Rolling Company, and whisked him and his family members away.
They described the scene as chaotic and urged authorities to intensify security measures in the area.
Some residents disclosed that they had earlier noticed two suspicious individuals lurking around the area before the attack.
They also expressed concern over the rising wave of banditry in Katsina State and called on government at all levels to take decisive steps to curb the menace.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, said the attack was carried out by suspected gunmen. He added that the assailants shot Abdullahi Muhammad, a vigilante member, before fleeing the scene.
Sadiq noted that police operatives, led by the Divisional Police Officer, swiftly moved to the area, restored calm, and launched an investigation to track and arrest the perpetrators.
According to him, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Shehu, alongside the command’s management team, Area Commander Metro, DPOs within the metropolis, and the OC Anti-Kidnapping Unit, visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.
He said additional personnel and assets had been deployed to ensure the rescue of the victims and arrest of the attackers.
“The command calls on members of the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or make use of the command’s emergency lines for prompt and decisive action. All information will be treated with utmost confidentiality,” Sadiq added.