At least seven people lost their lives when suspected bandits armed with sophisticated weapons attacked Magajin Wando village in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Danmusa, confirmed the attack in a statement on Saturday. He said the incident occurred late on Friday night between 11 p.m. and midnight.
According to preliminary findings, the bandits carried out the ambush to avenge members of their group killed earlier by the Community Watch Corps (CWC) during a foiled raid in the same community.
Several residents sustained injuries as the attackers struck again while victims were being evacuated to hospital. The bandits reportedly divided themselves, ambushing the rescue team and riddling their vehicle with bullets. The CWC fought back, escaped the assault, but lost their vehicle, which the bandits set ablaze.
Dr Danmusa commended the swift intervention of the CWC, noting that their courage prevented what could have been a far more devastating outcome. He extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured.
He restated the government’s resolve to intensify security operations in collaboration with the military, police and other agencies to dismantle the criminal networks.
Danmusa urged residents to remain vigilant and to share information that could help security forces defeat what he described as “enemies of peace” in Katsina State.