Bandits Attack Religious Event In Katsina; 9 Killed, 16 Injured

At least nine people were killed and 16 others were injured after armed bandits opened fire at a religious event in Katsina's Kusa on Sunday.

Katsina State Police Command said Monday that the people were celebrating Maulud in Rugar Kusa village when the bandits stormed into the place.

The bandits attacked the Maulud procession around 10:00 p.m. local time with "dangerous weapons such as AK-47 rifles and shooting sporadically," said Abubakar Aliyu, a spokesperson for the command, Punch reported.

"Upon receipt of the report, immediately, operatives were mobilized and swung into action, where they succeeded in repelling the attack," Aliyu added.

Seven people were pronounced dead at the scene, while two others died at a hospital. The injured were rushed to the General Hospital Musawa. They are currently receiving treatment for gunshot wounds.

"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," the spokesperson said.

Eyewitnesses revealed that the bandits surrounded the gathering from all sides and started shooting sporadically.

"The bandits surrounded the venue of the Maulud celebration and fired gunshots at the participants, injuring many and taking several captives away," one person said.

Katsina Governor Dikko Radda visited the community Monday and assured the residents that the government would do everything possible to ensure peace in the state. He reportedly also spoke to some of the injured persons.

"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 governor's chief press secretary Ibrahim Mohammed said.

Nigeria has been dealing with several internal conflicts, including attacks from bandits. In July, eight people, including an eight-month-old, were killed by bandits in Plateau and Benue states.

At the time, President Bola Tinubu expressed grief over the "unfortunate" killings and urged all the religious leaders, traditional rulers, socio-cultural organizations and communities to join hands to ensure long-lasting peace in the country.