Terrorists kill 14 in Katsina, Benue, Niger

Terrorists have killed 14 persons in Katsina, Benue and Niger states.

In Katsina, the Commandant of the Katsina Community Watch Corps for Kankara Local Government Area, Sanusi Hussaini, was killed, along with two members of the Nigeria Vigilante Group, in Burdugau G village, following a deadly encounter with bandits.

Although security agencies have yet to officially confirm the attack, Mr Suleiman Ibrahim Tsiga, the Information Officer of the council, verified the incident, stating that aside from the fatalities, two police officers and two members of the Katsina community watch corps sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention at Malumfashi General Hospital.

Tsiga also mentioned the displacement of residents, who have sought refuge in nearby villages and the local government headquarters for safety. Efforts are underway by security operatives to locate two missing members of the Katsina Community Watch Corps.

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Despite the tragic loss, Tsiga reported that security forces have successfully neutralised several terrorists and seized their motorcycles.

Earlier on Tuesday, nine people were killed in Lambo community, Kurfi Local Government Area of the  state.

A resident of the community confirmed that the terrorists also set houses and motor vehicles ablaze and burnt down grains.

In Benue State, five people have been reportedly killed by armed invaders in Opa community of Adoka district in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

Residents said that armed invaders on Wednesday attacked and killed two people while another three were shot dead on Tuesday, making a total of five persons.

The residents worried that the insecurity bedeviling Opa was becoming alarming as within the space of two days alone five people have been killed with some women raped while farm produce as well as property were set ablaze by the attackers.

Adoka district head and the present acting Ad’Otukpo, Dr Samuel Onuh, told our correspondent on telephone that the residents are going through a terrible situation.

A resident of Opa who simply identified himself as Echoda said armed invaders have been killing people in Opa and surrounding villages of Umogidi, Entekpa, among others.

When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene, said she could not talk at the time of filing this report.

Also, bandits have again invaded Bassa community in Shiroro LGA of Niger State, killing two people and injuring one other.

The attackers were reported to have also kidnapped unspecified number of people when they struck Thursday afternoon.

The two people killed were identified as T.J Kadama and Lazarus Shawalu.

It is the second attack in two weeks on the community, with residents saying their livestock was rustled by the bandits.

When contacted, the Chief Press to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, said government would continue to adopt both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to tackle the security challenges facing the state.

“Government will continue to do its best in tackling these security challenges,” he added.