President Bola Tinubu has issued a stern condemnation following a series of brutal attacks on citizens in the Dutsin-Ma and Kankara Local Government Areas of Katsina State. Describing the recent assaults as both grisly and sinister, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing security measures and ensuring the complete eradication of terrorists and other perpetrators of violence across the nation.
In a statement released by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, President Tinubu expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic events and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, as well as the government and people of Katsina State. He prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in these attacks. Furthermore, the President directed security agencies to intensify their efforts to apprehend the assailants and bring them to justice, underscoring his determination to restore peace and security in the affected areas.
The attacks, carried out by bandits armed with dangerous weapons, have left a trail of devastation in Gidan Boka village. Reports indicate that 20 villagers were killed, and two others sustained injuries during the assault. The magnitude of the violence has shocked the local community and highlighted the urgent need for effective security interventions.
The Katsina State Police Command provided additional details about the violent incidents. According to ASP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, a police patrol team responding to a distress call was ambushed by the bandits near Kurmeji village, close to Yar Goje. The patrol team, traveling in an Armored Personnel Carrier (APC), had initially been dispatched to Gidan Baki village. However, upon discovering that the actual target was Gidan Boka village, they altered their route, only to encounter a deadly ambush at Kurmeji.
The ambush resulted in the tragic loss of several security personnel, including three police inspectors, one corporal, and two members of the Katsina Community Watch Corps. The bravery of these individuals, who lost their lives in the line of duty, is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those tasked with protecting the community from such heinous acts.
The violence did not end with the ambush. As the bandits fled, they continued their rampage, reportedly killing an additional five people in Dan Nakwabo village. This string of attacks underscores the ruthlessness of the perpetrators and the urgent need for comprehensive security measures to prevent further loss of life and property.
In his address, President Tinubu highlighted the multifaceted approach needed to combat the rising tide of insecurity. This includes bolstering the capacity of security agencies, enhancing intelligence gathering, and fostering stronger community collaboration to root out criminal elements. The President’s directive to security agencies to aggressively pursue the attackers is a clear message that the government will not tolerate any threats to the safety and wellbeing of its citizens.
The recent violence in Katsina State is a sobering reminder of the ongoing security challenges facing Nigeria. It calls for sustained and coordinated efforts at both the federal and state levels to address the root causes of insecurity and implement effective strategies to safeguard the lives and properties of all Nigerians.
In conclusion, President Bola Tinubu’s condemnation of the attacks in Dutsin-Ma and Kankara Local Government Areas reflects his administration’s resolve to tackle insecurity head-on. As security agencies intensify their operations to bring the perpetrators to justice, the President’s call for unity, support, and prayer underscores the collective effort needed to overcome the menace of banditry and restore peace across the nation. The sacrifices of the fallen security personnel and the resilience of the affected communities will not be in vain, as the nation works towards a safer and more secure future.
