PROTEST IN KATSINA AS BANDITS KILL VIGILANTE LEADER

The killing of the vigilante leader by Bandits during their recent attack on Gora Village in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State triggered protests that led to a temporary blockade of the Malumfashi–Katsina highway for several hours.

The Katsina State Command Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Thursday

DSP Abubakar disclosed that a distress call was received at the Malumfashi Divisional Police Headquarters at about 10:00 am on Wednesday, reporting that armed bandits had invaded Gora Village.

According to him, the Divisional Police Officer immediately mobilised and led a team of operatives to the scene, where they successfully repelled the attackers and foiled the assault.

However, before the arrival of the security team, the community’s vigilante leader, Alhaji Nuhu Barau, has been fatally shot by the Bandits.

The statement read, “On July 15, 2026, at about 10:00 am, a distress call was received at Malumfashi Division that a group of armed bandits had attacked Gora Village, Malumfashi LGA. Upon receipt of the report, the DPO swiftly mobilised and led a team of operatives to the scene. The team successfully repelled the bandits and foiled the attack.

“Regrettably, before the arrival of the operatives, the assailants fatally shot one Alhaji Nuhu Barau, a local vigilante leader. Surveillance and patrols have been intensified in the area to ensure the arrest of the fleeing suspects.

“Later that same day, at about 5:00 pm, another distress call was received at Malumfashi Division indicating that an angry mob had blocked a section of the Malumfashi–Katsina highway, disrupting the free flow of traffic.

“Quickly, the DPO, Malumfashi, led police operatives alongside military personnel to the scene. Despite facing resistance from the barricading crowd, the team successfully brought the situation under control, cleared the highway and dispersed the mob without further escalation.

Meanwhile, normalcy has been fully restored to the area, no arrests have been made yet. However, an investigation is ongoing with a view to arresting the fleeing assailants and unravelling the circumstances surrounding the incidents.”