Scores Killed, Others Abducted As Bandits Disrupt Maulud Procession In Katsina

Numerous individuals were reportedly killed when some gunmen, suspected to be bandits, attacked a gathering of Muslims celebrating Maulud in Kusa, a community situated in the Musawa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

It was gathered that the victims included women and children.

While the exact number of fatalities is still sketchy at the moment, sources who spoke to journalists confirmed that no less than 20 bodies were recovered from the site of this horrific incident, others assert that the figure stands at 14.

Furthermore, reports indicate that several individuals sustained injuries, with at least 17 being admitted to the Katsina Orthopaedic Hospital for the extraction of bullets, while others were admitted to the Musawa General Hospital.

Daily Trust quoted residents as testifying that the bandits initiated gunfire on the procession at approximately 11:05 pm on Sunday, during which numerous individuals were also abducted from the scene.

“The bandits surrounded the venue of the Maulud celebration and fired gunshot at the participant, injuring many and taking several captives away,” one of the sources reportedly said.

He added that before the arrival of security forces, the attackers had fled into their hideouts.

Confirming the report to the media, the police spokesman in Katsina, ASP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, said the bandits attacked, shot and injured 18 people.

“They were evacuated to the hospital for treatment. Later on, two of them died. Further investigation is ongoing for possible arrest and to bring the perpetrators of these acts to justice.” Aliyu said.