Police launch manhunt after bandit attack in Katsina

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The Police Commissioner in Katsina State, Ali Umar-Fage, has ordered an aggressive manhunt for bandits behind the reprisal attack on communities in Kankia.

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The CP recalled earlier operations recorded major successes against armed bandits operating within the local government area before the deadly attack.

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He said this in a statement on Sunday by Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, the police public relations officer of the command.

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Umar-Fage said operatives on April 29 foiled a cattle rustling attempt in Gadar, Yan Tulu and Kartaka villages.

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“Police recovered 205 animals, comprising 91 cows and 114 sheep, during the operation,” he said.

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Umar-Fage added that on Saturday, officers repelled another attack on Matinjin village.

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“Several bandits fled with gunshot injuries, while eight motorcycles linked to their operations were recovered,” he stated.

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He said the criminals later regrouped and attacked Jeka da Kolo and Kwalgoro villages on Sunday.

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“The attack occurred around noon, killing 11 persons before tactical teams were mobilised to repel the assailants,” he said.

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Umar-Fage described the attack as “cowardly and barbaric” and expressed condolences to families of the victims.

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He assured residents that all those responsible would be tracked down and prosecuted.

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The commissioner said additional tactical teams had been deployed to affected communities to strengthen ongoing security operations.

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“Bush combing operations and coordinated patrols are ongoing to track the fleeing suspects,” he said.

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He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting life and property across the state.

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“We will not relent until peace and normalcy are fully restored,” the commissioner said.

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He urged residents to stay calm, remain vigilant and provide credible intelligence to security agencies.

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“Further developments will be communicated as investigations progress,” he added. (NAN)

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