The Katsina State Police Command, on Monday, confirmed that nine people were killed while 16 others were injured as a result of an attack by bandits who targeted a religious event in Kusa town, situated in the Musawa Local Government Area of the state.
The police reported that the bandits infiltrated the gathering shortly after 10 p.m. on Sunday, discharging multiple gunshots at the attendees.
The command’s spokesman, Abubakar Aliyu, said, “On November 5, 2023, at about 10.30 pm, bandits in their numbers, wielding dangerous weapons such as AK-47 rifles and shooting sporadically, attacked the Maulud procession at Rugar Kusa village, Musawa Local Government Area, Katsina State.”
“Upon receipt of the report, immediately, operatives were mobilized and swung into action, where they succeeded in repelling the attack. Seven people were shot dead, and 18 people sustained gunshot injuries as a result of the attack and were evacuated to the General Hospital Musawa for immediate medical attention.”
“However, two people out of the injured were confirmed dead by the doctor while receiving treatment. The investigation is still ongoing. Efforts are on with a view to arresting the perpetrators of the dastardly act. Further development will be communicated in due course.”
Residents reported that the bandits encircled the religious gathering and subsequently initiated indiscriminate gunfire.
An anonymous resident disclosed, “The bandits surrounded the venue of the Maulud celebration and fired gunshots at the participants, injuring many and taking several captives away.”
Additional information reveals that some of the injured victims were transported to Musawa General Hospital for medical care, while others were taken to General Amadi Rimi Orthopedic Hospital in Katsina.
In the meantime, Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, paid a visit to the community on Monday.
The governor was reportedly on his way back from Kaduna when he was informed about the incident. This prompted him to visit the community and express his condolences to the residents.
His Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, conveyed this information in a statement.
He said, “His Excellency commiserated with the victims and assured them that the government would do all in its power to ensure that peace returns to the entire state.”
“He said he was disturbed by what happened and condoled with those who lost their lives and visited some victims. Some of the villagers thanked the governor for the visit. They said it was the first time a governor was commiserating with them and they commended him for setting up community watch corps and assured him that they will be praying for his success in the war against banditry.”
The Katsina State Police Command on Monday evening verified the death of nine individuals in the attack that occurred on Sunday.