Bandits open fire on Maulud procession in Katsina, abduct worshippers

Many people, including women and children, were killed when bandits attacked a procession of Maulud celebrants in Kusa, a community in Musawa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

There are, however, conflicting figures as to the number of fatalities as some said no fewer than 20 corpses were retrieved from the scene of the ugly incident while others put the number at 14.

Reports also indicated that several others have sustained injuries with no fewer that 17 admitted at the Katsina Orthopaedic Hospital for bullets extraction, as others were admitted at the Musawa General Hospital.

According to a resident, the bandits opened fire on the procession around 11:05 pm on Sunday, during which also many were abducted from the scene.

“The bandits surrounded the venue of the Maulud celebration and fired gunshot at the participant, injuring many and took several captives away,” he said.

He added that before the arrival of security forces, the attackers had fled into their hideouts.

Confirming the report to the media, the police spokesman in Katsina, ASP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, said the bandits attacked, shot and injured 18 people.

“They were evacuated to the hospital for treatment. Later on, two among them died. Further investigation is ongoing for possible arrest and to bring the perpetrators of these acts to justice.” he said.