One person was said to have been killed and several others sustained injuries as residents of communities in Jibia local government of Katsina state on Monday staged a protest over spate of insecurity in the area.
The victim was allegedly shot dead by the police who were mobilized to contain the protest.
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An elder brother of the victim who simply identified himself as Abdulhadi, was too emotional to speak when confronted by journalists. When asked why he was crying, he simply said, “He is my younger brother, he was killed.”
A resident of Daddara village who identified himself as Falalu Abba, said his village was not part of the protest was an indication that the masses were pushed to the background and had no other option than to react in that manner.
“Our people are counting days of gunmen attacks, and by their count yesterday (Sunday) was 39 consecutive days of these attacks. Whenever it is taking place, when you call the security agents they will not show up. So people are tired and decided to take the law into their hands,” he said.
A resident of Jibia, Muhammad Bello, who took part in the protest, said, “What is happening is that our people are in serious security challenges and the gunmen that carry out these heinous acts are going unchallenged by the security agents.
“So you could see that we are facing difficulties from both sides, our belongings carted away, our women sexually abused and we get nothing from the security agents but harassment and intimidation,” he said.
When contacted, the police spokesperson in Katsina, SP Gambo Isah, confirmed the protest but said it was violent as the protesters have vandalized places and set some vehicles on fire.
“We have mobilized our men to contain the protest but for the allegation that one has lost his life, we are yet to confirm that as our officers are still there, and investigation is going on, “ he said.
