21 Government Militiamen Killed in Vigilante Gang Ambush in Nigeria
In Nigeria’s northwest Katsina state, criminal gangs ambushed and killed at least 21 government militia members, according to the police. The tragic incident happened on Tuesday and was confirmed by Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, a spokesperson for Katsina police, late Friday.
The victims were part of a convoy of government militia members who were returning after visiting the family of a deceased colleague to offer their condolences. As they passed through Baure village in the Safana district, they were attacked by armed bandits. Aliyu stated that all 21 victims died from gunshot wounds during the ambush. He added that efforts were ongoing to arrest those responsible for the brutal attack.
Katsina state, along with other parts of northwestern and central Nigeria, has long suffered from the activities of bandits. These criminal groups frequently raid villages, committing acts of violence, kidnapping residents, and destroying properties. In recent years, the gangs have also gained attention for abducting large numbers of students from schools, adding to the insecurity in the region.
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These gangs operate from camps located in a vast forest that stretches across several states, including Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and Niger. Their actions have caused widespread fear and instability, making it difficult for many communities to feel safe.
To address the growing insecurity, Katsina’s governor, Dikko Umar Radda, launched the Katsina Community Watch Corps (KCWC) in 2023.
This initiative involved recruiting about 2,000 vigilantes to work alongside the police and military in the fight against banditry.
Despite these efforts, the ambush in Safana highlights the ongoing challenges in curbing the activities of these armed gangs and ensuring the safety of residents in the affected areas.
21 Government Militiamen Killed in Vigilante Gang Ambush in Nigeria
