By Ayo Kehinde
The Katsina Police Command has confirmed that a coordinated response by joint security operatives successfully foiled a second attack by suspected armed bandits in Matazu Local Government Area, even as a police officer and two civilians were killed in earlier violence along the Karadua–Musawa Road.
The incident occurred on Sunday when bandits reportedly blocked the Karadua–Musawa axis and opened fire on a moving Volkswagen Golf vehicle, killing two occupants on the spot and sparking panic among commuters.
Confirming the attack on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, said security agencies acted swiftly following a distress call from the area.
He explained that a joint team comprising police personnel, military operatives, members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, and local vigilantes was immediately mobilised to the scene.
“The team swiftly dislodged the assailants and evacuated the victims to a nearby hospital,” he said, noting that the prompt intervention prevented further casualties and restored calm along the affected route.
According to the spokesman, the attackers later regrouped and launched an attempt to overrun the Musawa Police Division in what appeared to be a coordinated escalation of the attack.
However, officers on duty engaged the assailants in a fierce gun battle and successfully repelled the assault, ensuring that the facility remained secure.
Despite the successful defence, one police officer was killed during the exchange while courageously defending the station. The command described the fallen officer as a hero who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, ordered the immediate deployment of additional operational assets to the affected area to strengthen security presence and prevent further attacks.
He also directed a full-scale investigation aimed at tracking down and arresting those responsible, assuring that no effort would be spared in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Umar-Fage extended condolences to the families of the deceased civilians and the slain officer, while urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information.
The Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state, emphasizing that ongoing collaboration between security forces and local communities remains key to restoring lasting peace in Katsina.
